SENIOR RETREAT STORY
Life isn’t always easy. From the beginning, we've met hardship after hardship; yet the hardships that we faced during the first weekend of our senior year were of a different nature: mosquitos, sweat, mud, UV rays, snoring, and four user-unfriendly bathrooms that had to be shared by 69 people.
But we managed to get through it all. Complaints gave way to brilliant laughter. No one cared about drenched shoes and aching legs. Without hesitation, we all marched atop muddy Jungmi mountain, jumped into the water, and embraced this time out of our comfort zones.
“I can’t do this!” Jennifer Park (12) cried out, high above the ground, tied to a single rope. The ropes course, more than anything else, tested our bravery. Some passed without flinching, while others struggled. But in the end, every Senior – even Jennifer, who did let herself swing across the air – managed to muster enough bravery to conquer every setback.
The retreat wasn't only a time to mingle with peers, but also a time to seriously look into ourselves and think about who we really are. “Letter to self for half an hour? What am I supposed to write to myself ?” Sungwoo Moon (12) wondered aloud. But as soon as we gripped our pencils, we didn’t stop writing, even for a second, until that half-hour was over. These letters, sealed in brown envelopes, marked the end of a one-of-a-kind weekend.
Life can be good. Life can be bad. Stuff happens; things go wrong. When you feel like your world is falling apart, just remember one thing: Seniors, I got your back.
PURCHASE PAGES
Dear Parents of the Class of 2010,
Twilight, daybreak, reddish horizons, and a new start: your sons and daughters are about to leap into another chapter of their lives. This chapter is an epilogue and a prologue mashed into one: it's an end and a beginning, a moment when you're done and a moment when you start back up again. But as much as it is a fresh start into something more special than any high school recollection, we want to cherish the past – the things that make this milestone possible. We want to cherish the people who have put their noses to the grindstone, working, paying money, cooking, working, ironing clothes, working. We want to cherish the heroes of our childhood and the supporters from our sidelines, the people who make everything possible for every student in this school. Thank you so much, parents.
The pages that follow are the Purchase Pages of the Class of 2010, our little way of cherishing the past of every student. And among the collages of antiquated photographs lay your short messages, your little way of celebrating your sons' and daughters' leap into the real world. We earnestly thank you for your contributions to this Class, this school, and this yearbook. Daybreak has come and gone, but more daybreaks are fast approaching – so we want to this one all the more memorable.
Sincerely,
The Yearbook Team of 2010
FRESHMAN STORY
When asked to describe this year’s freshmen, every teacher replied, as though in unison: “Ambitious.” And right they were. There’s the usual story: eighth-graders dream of a whole new world beyond middle school before the brutal workload brings them back down to Earth. But with this routine spiel came an added twist: this special class of freshmen, known for their intensity, would manage to get through the sleepless nights comfortably. Every assignment, every quiz, every scrap of homework is taken very seriously – so much so that, according to Mr. Trotter, the freshmen need some “mandatory fun time” to squeeze in some time off (sigh) into their tight schedules. Only ordinary freshies make do with the usual freshman story; the Class of ’13 seemingly won’t make do with anything ordinary.
JUNIOR STORY
Junior year is never fun – and there aren’t any exceptions. No false warnings, no overplayed myths – none of that. And no doubt the Class of ’11 knew as much. They knew that it was time to waltz their ways into SAT testing centers and work at dazzling their future college admissions directors. They knew that if their freshmen and sophomore past had its fair share of sleepless nights, junior year could only be three times as bad. But amazingly enough, the Class of ’11 have maintained their gung-ho selves this year – even as they bargained their sanity for higher GPAs and forgot to worry about how awful they looked every morning. Every iMovie, every podcast, and everything else that constitutes junior year is only one obstacle in their march towards leadership, towards college, and towards becoming greater, better people. Their passionate vibe, meanwhile, is more than capable of getting the job done.
SOPHOMORE STORY
Walking along the corridor, there is something undeniably special about this class. It's a vibe that separates them from others; keen to learn and indefatigable, the Class of '12 is an indescribable group made of distinct individuals.
The life of a sophomore, more hectic and pressing than freshman year, is not a breeze. But they don’t fret because they are more than just sophomores – smart, quirky, and amply gifted, whether it be in the arts, sports, and academics, this year's sophomores are far from the ordinary. They even manage to throw in some fun into their eventful lives, mindful of the impending uphill struggle of junior year. As their teachers push the sophomores harder each day, in preparation of the hard times ahead, they strive to improve and thrive in typical KIS spirit.
Unique. Diverse. Cutting-edge.
We hereby bring you the gems of KIS: our sophomores – a.k.a, the Class of '12.
SENIOR STORY
Being a senior feels different – of course, every year is not the same, but seriously , senior year is different. We'd spent our last three years in high school, but a whole new spectrum of challenges awaited us in our very last year together. And what a year it's been. We've been forced to fall in love with Mr. Modica and spend quality time with Common App. We've been toiling away, either floundering through our formidable workload or worrying about getting it all done. And now, here we are – ready to kick-start our journeys into the real world. Loud, wild, and a bit weird too, the Class of ’10 now departs. Once the big fish in the little pond, we now enter a sea of life much bigger, uglier, and more beautiful than anything we've ever gone through. Goodbye, English Only policy. So long to words like "target" and "far reach." And farewell to all that belong to this homey place called KIS. We’ll try to miss you guys.
STUDENT LIFE Start. Orientation. Fresh faces. Returning faces. Stories of summer. Troubling first days. Getting into rhythm. New building. New skywalk. New gym. New everything. First-day amazement, followed by weariness at more stairs to climb. PTV, the fresh journalistic enterprise. Getting used to everything. Temperature checks and “the situation on high alert.” Patio on Fire. College applications. Volleyball games in the Phoenix Gym. H1N1 and KAIAC heartbreak. Les Belles Soeurs. Darkness Social. SEOMUN and THIMUN-Singapore. Fun and games at KIStival. College applications. Countdown to winter break. Last-day chaos. Winding down. Yuletide joy and comfort. A happy ending. Hello, 2010. Adieu, Common App. Travesty in Haiti. Water bottles and coins for donation. Victory for basketball in Japan. SATs. Finals. More weariness. Winter Ball and assorted romance. Meetings with the counselor. BEIMUN. Thinking of a faraway sanctuary named Summer Break. Mass exodus to Cebu and Spain. Short outbreak of flu. More studying. April Anarchy. Soccer games. Worrying. Cramming. Juggling too much in a day. Lack of sleep. Involuntary napping. Graduation gown sizes. Brighton Beach Memoirs. More worrying. Last tidbits forced into short-term memory. Showtime. SATs. APs. Hasty matchmaking for prom. Yearbooks. Graduation and a tempest of emotions. Tension dissipating in seconds, only to rebuild again. SATs. Finals. Winding down for some blissful repose. El Fín – finally.
CLASS PAGE WRITING – FRESHMEN
FRESHMEN REPS
From the popular Monday snack sales to the funky pep rallies and fancy socials, the Student Council is responsible for all the fun at KIS. Consisting of students ranging from freshmen to seniors, Student Council is one of the few clubs that require a lot of interaction between underclassmen and upperclassmen. They are known for sacrificing lunches, running around during socials to stand guard, and staying up to make posters. Carol Choo (9), Rachel Lee (9), and Rosa Won (9), the freshmen trio who have stirred up new vibes in Student Council this year, have proved that they can accomplish tasks smoothly and have fun in doing so. “Thank you all for giving me a chance to make a great school year with the other representatives!” said Rachel.
Don't get us mixed up - Superlatives Writing (58 words)
Oddly enough, the freshmen class have five people sharing one name: Peter. This caused freshmen - and the Peters themselves - to get creative. “I like the fact that there are so many of us; we’re just automatically categorized and it gives a sense of togetherness,” said Peter Sungkook Kim (9).
KISians
Has the freshmen class always been this big? More than a hundred strong freshmen throng in and around the halls everyday. But only a few have walked these halls for the seventh year running – only a few have seen the school grow with them. “I think KIS has grown in every way,” says Taeyoon Kim (9), “there no aspect that has stayed the same, and I really like the direction our school is heading.”
CLASS PAGE WRITING – JUNIORS
JUNIOR BAND
The musicians of the KIS Junior Band don’t prefer the taste of the drearily unoriginal, so they resort to something better: they search for the original and the creative for themselves. While many KIS musicians of past and present identify with certain genres, the Junior Band mixes soulful arena rock with eloquent hip-hop and mellow ballads to form something even more satisfying. Fronted by an array of talent and a profound liking for music, the Junior Band – and soon-to-be Senior Band – finds themselves at the forefront of the KIS music scene.
Short Interview with Juniors
Susan Park (11) Q1: how do you feel about AP courses?
AP courses were intimidating when I took them as a sophomore, but as a junior, I know what to expect, so it's easier to prepare for.
Q2: Do you feel better when the freshman bow to you?
It's awkward when they bow, but it's awkward when they don't. So I feel more comfortable when they speak in English and say, “hi” or wave…
Q3: How does it feel like to not be the youngest in high school?
For me, it hasn't made much of a difference; school will always be about grades, and age difference does not affect a student's academics.
Helen Kang (11) Q: How does it feel like to not be the youngest in high school?
It feels like we have more priority when we choose clubs. We are not at the bottom of the pile. Also, it feels like we need to have more responsibility as upper classman in sports teams when there are sophomores and freshmen.
Q: Do you feel better when the freshman bow to you?
No, it makes me feel uncomfortable. I like it better when they just say 'hi!' It seems friendlier.
Nathan Cho (11) Q. Do you feel better when the freshman bow to you?
So-so. Sometimes I feel old, but sometimes I feel respected.
CLASS PAGE WRITING – SOPHOMORES
Sibling Feature
Jennifer Park (12) about Billy Park (10)
1. Are you guys close at school? He ignores me, but I always say hi to him. He's too cool for me.
2. Are you guys close at home? I try to go into his room to talk to him about his day and he kicks me out. He's too cool for me.
3. Do you think you guys look alike? Ew.
Jessica Yun (12) about Nick Yun (10)
1. Are you guys close at school? We are complete strangers at school. I try to say hi to Nick but the love is not always reciprocated...
2. Are you guys close at home? At home, we're close. We watch TV shows together and entertain each other with funny stories and Youtube videos.
3. Do you think you guys look alike? Not really, but I think we have similar facial expressions.
Minhee Jo (10) about Minwoo Jo (9)
1. Are you guys close at school? No. I don't see him much anyways.
2. Are you guys close at home? No. We don't talk when we are at our house because we have nothing to say to each other.
3. Do you think you guys look alike? No. I hope not.
SOPHOMORE REPRESENTATIVES Andrew Yoon (10), Jenny Lee (10), and Jeemin Han (10) stand as the school’s up-and-coming leaders for the next generation. Among fifteen candidates, the trio managed to shine and to survive the competition. To repay their supporters, the sophomore representatives worked diligently all year-long without complaints.
DEPARTMENTS
Founders and Leaders Though often hidden behind the scenes, our school’s founders and leaders are the ones who hold the school together. They make decisions big and small to ensure that each of us receive a quality educational experience at KIS. Through hard work and dedication, they work to strengthen our community - and keep us in line. They obviously share a common priority: students. “I enjoy working with the people; we have quality staff and outstanding students,” said Mr. Christenbury, “Of course, doing paperwork isn’t fun, but I love watching the students learning to become their best.”
COUNSELING AND LIBRARY
On the second floor of the KIS high school building is, for some, a second home; for others, a refuge for a lunch-time homework dash; and to some more, a place for some simple reading. The library, accommodated by the cheery Ms. Boerner, saw research papers, projects, lab reports, and essays done within its cozy walls.
Right along the hallway is the college counseling office. Mr. Modica and Ms. Kim became the upperclassmen's best friends in a grueling, eventful, and eventually fruitful application process as they chalked up a whole new chapter in their lives. With college visits, counselor meetings, seminars, and e-mails, Mr. Modica cut a prominent figure to every aspiring college student.
Then a floor up, a Sky-Bridge across, and a few more steps into the G-building lay Mr. Webster's office, where Mr. Webster took on the counseling concerns of the underclassmen. A friendly figure to teachers and students alike, Mr. Webster's contributions to the high school have been as vital as those of anyone else.
FACULTY
It's usually said that the students are the focus of any classroom. While that rings true along the hallways of KIS, the faculty is still an ever-crucial pillar of all the going-ons in the KIS catalog. Day in and day out, every teacher and coach strives to make every difference to the potpourri of learning and understanding in every classroom. They are at the front lines of the student body, instructing the students' ways to growth and learning. And the interpersonal warmth that steeps the atmosphere in the Faculty Rooms, the cafeteria, the hallways – the inside jokes and the laughter – are not unlike that of the students themselves. The daily joys that the faculty brings to KIS is a treasure to behold, and it's hard to imagine a KIS without these teachers' assistance.
STAFF
Hidden amongst the conference rooms and the IT offices within the metropolis that is KIS, the staff acts as the scaffolding that holds every bit of KIS together. From driving the school buses, directing traffic in the mornings, removing bugs on the KIS network, filing paperwork, taking care of phone calls, to sifting through stacks of books, the staff works through their own backbreaking schedule to fine-tune the KIS machine. They are at the rear of the student body, ensuring that every student's learning process is as painless and as fruitful as humanly possible. And when they shuffle out of the cafeteria with all smiles and laughter, redirect traffic and kids after school, pack their bags and carry out one quick security check, and head home down the hill, they must feel so deservedly satisfied that they helped the school move forward for another day.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
A brand-new gym with a colorful rock-climbing wall, an outdoor basketball court, and a beautiful hiking trail – all of these ensured that the student's only class free from the four walls of any classroom doesn't go away unloved. Confidence, team spirit, healthy lifestyles, and a million other things we can only unearth in a P.E. class find their ways into every freshman and sophomore who joy in their sole underclassman privilege.
The KIS P.E. class scene shows nothing like anyone's guess of a typical P.E. class – no skinny outcasts, no heartbreak at being chosen last, and no unassuming game of ordinary kickball. Ms. Jones ' routine “Fifty jumping jacks, go! Five push-ups, repeat. High plank, thirty seconds,” typifies the usual scheme of things in the weight room. From the weight room, we dive into the depths of our swimming pool, testing ourselves with those tireless laps. Then we take up with volleyball and basketball, practicing sets and shooting hoops in typical KIS-competitive spirit. Junior year is near – but for now, a sure thing on the underclassman's agenda is enjoying those mile-runs and those push-ups while they can.
DRAMA
Drama class at KIS has only one part to it – drama. Warm-ups, pantomimes, mind games, and out-and-out acting allow every student to translate their minds' eyes into reality. Dozens of make-believe characters spring to life, swaggering about as if they'd always been real people. Mr. Johnson pulls different characters out of his hat with such gusto that he can't help but be inspirational. Dropped jaws and fits of laughter are regular rituals for any audience. And in the actors' eyes comes a twinkle of golden confidence – something that Mr. Johnson thinks is immensely important in the world of theater: "You cannot be afraid to take risks and reveal emotions and desires."
Of course, theater isn't all about fun, fun, fun. Long-winded monologues are not so pleasant – learning them by heart, even worse. But the KIS actors know for a fact that if they keep their noses to the grindstone, they'll be guaranteed an exceptional time under the spotlight.
MUSIC
There's a sure verve that emanates from that one hallway in KIS. Lockers line its walls, full of instruments waiting to come to life. In one room, one wave of the conductor's baton stirs up a euphonic mishmash of sounds; in the other, singers line their chairs to red marks on the ground, repeating after Ms. Stephens, ‘Many mumbling mice are making midnight music in the moonlight… Mighty nice…’ A tired morning hears a voice crack, a flute squeak, or a violin go rather wrong – but no one frets. Mistakes act as the perfect punch lines, the stuff of jokes and giggles. Whatever challenges arise come across as easy meat for these groups of young musicians - all of whom love nothing more than a piece perfectly played from start to finish.
MATH
The oft-quoted disclaimer about math is that there's always a right answer. Sure, there is. But that doesn't tell even half the story. Not every pell-mell KIS student can wrap his head around partial fractions and Taylor series, but he's probably still madly scribbling away at his desk, ready to choke the answer out of any unrelenting problem. His answer might be a bit off the mark – a few negative signs tragically misplaced here, a couple decimal points missing there – but there's satisfaction beaming out of every seam of his toothy smile. The joy one comes by from unlocking a testing problem is one that KIS students revel in – so much so that it wouldn't be out of place for any KIS math classroom to have NEVER SAY DIE scrawled on its walls. The annual Mu Alpha Theta competition attracts the crème de la crème of KIS mathematicians, and its allure is simple: the charm of that pencil, that blank answer sheet, and that array of unrelenting problems simply waiting to be cracked.
ENGLISH
Off into the imaginations of Shakespeare, Voltaire, Twain, and Conrad we go – and we re-emerge with a fresh perspective and the odd life-lesson. That’s the beauty of literature – and the written word manages to work its magic in the KIS English classroom too, as we learn the credos of reading and writing, of interpreting and debating, of speaking and even acting. Having surpassed hagwon-esque commitments to grammar and vocabulary lists, it’s the usual way of any KIS English classroom to house insightful discussions and fiery debates and whatever else that makes English class that much more fun. New ventures into film have expanded our sense of literary appreciation by sizable proportions. Phoenix TV shows KIS's journalism elite relay the school headlines with infectious flair. We've found slicker, trickier ways to express ourselves, not just to our teachers, but to people halfway around the globe. English is an intricately woven affair - but as the one thing that binds us all together, we've come to understand it more than ever before.
SCIENCE
Science isn't only about memorizing the periodic table or calculating the velocity of a falling object. It takes students out of the classroom and beyond the textbook. Some argue that science is a mere collection of facts, composed of rigid logic that leaves no room for creativity. But Mrs. Thull speaks of the opposite: students must enter her classroom with open-mindedness, and be ready to explore and have fun. They need to be creative like artists. And this is what the students in every science classroom have put into great practice – going outside the box, trying new things, failing, learning, succeeding. Whether it be constructing a machine that lifts a weight with the wind of a hairdryer, or scribbling away in the margins of an AP Chemistry test, the Science Department has seen another great year pass within its walls; and aspiring scientists, engineers, and professors took another great leap towards realizing their dreams beyond this campus.
ART
The third floor of the high school building is the home ground of a creative bunch. Armed with colorful palettes, brushes of various lengths, and sharp 4B-pencils, the artists of KIS have come a long way in the methods of aesthetic expression. From drawing to painting to photography, it’s a formality to see the students roam the campus for inspiration, roam the mind for invention, and toil in the creation of a piece worthy of any portfolio. It’s easy to see that under Ms. Wentworth’s tutelage, the hallmark of any KIS artist is originality: “It’s better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation. Be original. Always.” A mix of innovation, talent, and effort serves to be the groundwork upon which the artists of KIS make their masterpiece.
FOREIGN LANGUAGES An "international school" in the mold of KIS naturally succeeds in its internationality, with many bi- and trilingual students roaming its halls. But as Ms. Yang proudly remarked, “you understand your own language better through learning and comparing with other languages.” Even a native culture can offer lots to learn about – and this is where foreign languages come into play. Mastering a new tongue doesn't require only the hard work you offer to other subjects – it also asks for cultural understanding, for enthusiasm, for patience and diligence. Likewise, the foreign language classroom hardly shows students wasting away in desks, deciphering lengths of some distant language they don’t really understand. Instead, they attach themselves to the country, curious about its culture and buzzing with its language’s workings – proof of the melting pot of cultural identities that KIS is.
SOCIAL STUDIES Who says Social Studies is only about drilling important dates and names into your head? The agenda in every KIS Social Studies classroom scraps those paltry lists and instead highlights the individual, the arguments he crafts, and the perspectives he cultivates. “I learn new things from students everyday,” said Mr. Spivey , “I develop new perspectives on topics I’ve been teaching for years; I love the fact that I am consistently learning.” And all this while, these colorful assortments of ideas combine into the stunning paintings that are thesis statements and DBQs - raw thoughts are translated into mature arguments, the stuff that build the world. Social Studies is the one thing that will surely mold us into real movers and shakers of the planet – and thank goodness for that.
Information Technology
In a world where Google knows everything and computers downsize by the day, it’s no surprise that I.T. becomes increasingly fashionable with every coming year. Crafting websites, cropping pictures, producing videos – an entire array of KIS courses devotes itself to the mechanics of computing. Nothing could be more pertinent to a school whose education is embellished by a one-to-one laptop program, a rich Web 2.0 culture, and a naturally computer-savvy student body whose PCs are their routes to all sorts of merriment. The art of being technologically aware grows in importance by the day – and no doubt many students in KIS feel this desire to know just what a mouse can really do.
FALL SPORTS
VARSITY VOLLEYBALL, GIRLS
The taste of glory is a savory one, and the KIS Girl’s Varsity Volleyball team undoubtedly relished it in bucketfuls this season. Trouncing SFS in the first game just showed the success that would follow – and follow it did. A steely mentality and unshakable unity translated into a winning formula that spoke in victories. The girls didn't bother to be pretenders this season; they battled KAIAC's finest, and proved to be one force to be reckoned with, a real contender for the gleaming crown of the championship.
But we can't just express the squad’s triumph through scoreboards and tallies. Numbers can't come to explain the lessons they learned, the friends they made, the fun they had. The girls have cultured a great season to cherish.
JV VOLLEYBALL, GIRLS The key to a successful Varsity squad is a well-nurtured Junior Varsity, and the future of KIS Girls Volleyball seems well-assured in the hands of the KIS Girls Junior Varsity Volleyball team. While this group of aspiring players stumbled upon the ugly side of high school volleyball -- nerves, bruises, and frustration -- the lessons they learned didn't go amiss. The team found their feet and cultivated a real collaboration in the offing, commingling pure enjoyment and great performances by the season's end. Worthy successors to our no-nonsense Varsity Girls, the Phoenix Junior Varsity have shown what talents KIS may enjoy in the years to come.
AISA GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
It was an exceptional year for the Girls Varsity Volleyball team as they were able to host the first-ever AISA Tournament. Six schools from Japan and Korea came together in a tournament that soared to the attention of the international school community and gave KIS students a priceless opportunity to make new friends. A clearly satisfied Lydia Kim (12)said,“This priceless experience made the grueling practices and training all worthwhile." Indeed, not only could the school compete with its newfound rivals, but KIS could just immerse themselves in the fun of the sport that is volleyball.
VOLLEYBALL, BOYS
The Boys Varsity Volleyball team of 2009 comprised fresh faces – a fact that augured a new journey. While only a few of the reliable fixtures of years before remained, a rush of new blood promised an edgy start. But any sign of nervousness at the first whistle quickly dissipated as the Phoenix Boys carved out a team destined for growth. Led by the senior captain Dongmin Lim (12), the Boys Varsity crafted a true team out of the assortment of unfamiliar faces. The team emanated spirit – whether it was in victory or in defeat, whether it was in mid-game crisis. Strong performances in KAIAC and AISA Tournament confirmed the team's undoubted potential. A bright future awaits KIS Boys Volleyball.
TENNIS, GIRLS What can you promise after a victorious season? To keep winning, chimes in the KIS Girls’ Varsity Tennis team. They’ve pledged to be (in their own word) “invincible” – and they’ve delivered. Guided by reliable senior Soo Young Hwang (12), Singles players Soobin Bae (11) and Jessica Chang (10) happily walked the road to triumph. #1 Doubles team Jessica Choi (11) and Helen Kang (11) – both of whom staunchly refused to play by themselves – proudly came away with every game won. It’s commonly fancied that teamwork has no place in the game of tennis; and yet teamwork was the byword of the 2009-10 Girls’ Varsity Tennis team, who have kept their promises in style.
TENNIS, BOYS
Everyday, the big hand strikes 2:45 P.M. Four times a week, a bus proceeded down the driveway with scary punctuality. And soon, upon the Sunae tennis courts came to life the KIS Boys Tennis Varsity team. Progress is an essential for any serious Division One team, and the Boys Varsity needed no reminding of this gospel truth. Serving, smashing, and slicing tennis balls, the boys exchanged heated rallies and tackled rigorous drills. Every week, greater, better tennis players seemed to grace the courts, longing for victory and further improvement. Fronted by captain Jason Cho (12) and a string of junior deputies, the will to craft a niche for KIS tennis burns strong – a desire that hasn't shown signs of relenting soon.
CROSS COUNTRY, GIRLS
Cross Country's a weird sport – it's a trial against one's will, against one's determination. It tests you and coerces you to show your individual best: "When you're out there running, you're all by yourself," testifies Yeayoung Koh (9). But she continues: "But you can't forget that your performance affects the team" – and this very sense of mutual support resounds throughout the KIS Girls Varsity Cross Country team, binding everyone together to ample effect. Charismatic captains Sunyoung Park (11) and Angie Jo (10) led the team in a coalesced effort to success on the tracks, and success is exactly what each runner – not to mention the team as a whole – came to recognize this past season.
CROSS COUNTRY, BOYS Four times a week, a group of boys donning singlets and running shoes flocked into Mr. Perron's office, waiting to meet the fall breeze and the lengthy roads ahead. Then the buses left, the last cars trickled out the driveway, and the KIS Boys Varsity Cross Country team cranked up their daily routine – warm-ups, stretches, and five kilometers of sheer running.
If anything, the KIS Boys Varsity Cross Country team cultivated one thing the most: commitment. They bonded with one another, knowing the importance of teamwork in any sport. They ran through their precious holidays, dedicated to maintaining their steely fitness. And the results – satisfaction at the finish line, and the according points to match – were all theirs to enjoy. Whether they're running in lockstep or stampeding into Baskin Robbins after an exhausting practice, the KIS Boys Varsity Cross Country team takes steps as one in unity and zeal.
WINTER SPORTS
Boys Varsity Basketball
The fall glories of KIS athletes seamlessly translated into the cold of winter, as the KIS Boys Varsity Basketball team hit their stride from the very beginning. Hard diligence, impeccable fellowship, well-bred form, and natural talent combined to form a force to be reckoned with in all of KAIAC. Shepherded by a new array of coaches, new tactics and a new mentality meant greater results on the court – and greater results they were. A top-half finish to the conference, spectacular wins over YISS and bitterest rivals SIS, and a first-place finale in the AISA Tournament served to show the Varsity team’s breakout success. This was the year in which they truly passed the trying test of KAIAC Division One – a season that, in Minhyo Moon’s (12) words, “we’ll never forget.”
BOYS JV BASKETBALL
While the Varsity Basketball team was setting new precedents for KIS athletes, another group of aspiring basketball players took on the limelight of their own: the Junior Varsity Basketball team. After an admittedly shaky start – a learning curve for many an underclassman – the team began to hit their stride and show just how much they strove to improve throughout the season. "I think that our JV team this year had the most motivated players out of any team," said a proud captain Kevin Lee (11). "Nobody gave up, and even with a brand new team, we were able to pull off some great victories against other schools." After a season of plaudits for the Varsity contingent of KIS basketball, things bode well for the future.
GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL
Dribbling from Daegu to Seoul, the KIS Girls Varsity Basketball team took even greater strides this year than in seasons past. They met every challenge with energy and every game with resolve – resolve that fueled the team in good times and in harsh times. And while the team will change, Pola Shim (12) believes this same determination will remain in the years to come: “We all worked really hard this year, and I have no doubt KIS will go on to work harder and win in the future.” Victory or no victory, the Girls Varsity have great reason to remember this season as the one that saw improvement – and the one that heralds greater things in the next season.
JV GIRLS BASKETBALL
While the Varsity basketball players received the spotlight, the Junior Varsity players waited patiently for their future chances to shine on the court. “Compared to last season, we improved – a lot,” said Staci Shon (10) proudly. “Although we didn’t win every individual game, I would describe this season as victorious,” added Alice Ahn (10). When asked what was the key to their success, the two young captains pointed to the endless running, passing, and shooting – all of which were essential elements to upping their game. The bright future of KIS basketball lies on these young girls’ shoulders.
CHEERLEADING
Cute uniforms, blue ribbons, and fluffy pompoms catch our eyes, but there is much more than simple aesthetics to cheerleading. As team captain Jessica Yun (12) testified: "This season, the Phoenix Cheer Squad was defined by hard work." Conditioning, lifting weights, running – the success of every routine and every cheer depended on tireless dedication. No boxing out the defense, no lay-ups, no free throws: with their searing passion for cheerleading, Phoenix Cheer looked to change every scoreline for the good. Such great resolve paid great dividends with a victorious third place in the KAIAC Tournament – an achievement that confirmed Phoenix Cheer's place near the summit of KAIAC. "Phoenix Cheer truly did fly to the top this year and I am extremely proud of this talented group of athletes," declared an overjoyed Jessica, and no doubt the heights they reached this season is a very special milestone among their catalog of triumphs.
JV Cheerleading
This year’s Junior Varsity Cheerleading squad created an entirely new outlook on the quality of JV squads. Particularly popular among freshmen newbies, the JV found a few stumbling blocks in their way at the season's beginning. "It was hard at first because we were in charge of teaching everything," said co-captain Rachel Choi (11). But in the end, progress prevailed for a squad full of eager beginners: "but the girls were very bright and caught up fast!" Thanks to the tireless dedication from captains Rachel Choi (11) and Sylvia Jung (11), the girls began to translate the basics of cheerleading into their routines: smile, spirit, sharpness, enunciation, vocalization, and synchronization chief among them. The stunts and the tumbling decidedly proved to be more challenging, but success followed failure, and the team's efforts paid off in style. A commendable third place finish at the KAIAC Tournament was the icing on the cake for a fruitful season, and no doubt the team will return next year with wholesome smiles.
KAIAC Boys Basketball
In our third year in KAIAC Division I, KIS assumed the privilege of hosting the KAIAC Boys Basketball Tournament in February 2010. Even with the everyday monotony of classes and club blocks, students from all corners of the high school came to watch the spectacle that unfolded in the Phoenix Gym. Coach Duncan was especially happy to make the team's tournament heroics known: "Finishing with two wins and one loss, we had a great tournament - that last match was the best match of our season, and a great way to end it." While the Varsity Basketball team could not replicate their victorious AISA form, they mustered a commendable showing and ended their season on a high – with a memory to last the rest of their youth.
SPRING SPORTS
GIRLS SOCCER
The Girls Varsity Soccer Team doesn’t find its greatest virtue in outrageous talent or a championship trophy – its forte lies in the bond of friendship. At the end of a season, full of ups and downs and wins and losses emerged a team of girls willing to do anything together. Whether it be running on a dirt track or playing keep-away among groups of tens and elevens, the Phoenix Girls are a real team in their every exploit. “We’ve come such a long way together with the Seniors’ leadership, the Juniors’ talent and the underclassmen’s energy” said Elaine Lee (11), While the team might not have won every game, the Girls’ Varsity Soccer Team have achieved some very special things this season, and testament to that is everywhere on the field to see.
BOYS SOCCER As audience, we tend to only remember those who score. But the KIS Boys Varsity Soccer team showed us this season that to truly obtain victory, the team has to do a lot more than simply score. It takes discipline, fitness, a little dash of luck, and a ton of effort to slide up the standings – and sure enough, the Boys Varsity had enough mettle and talent to muster the points throughout the season. From freshmen to seniors, the team began as a motley variety of players and grew into a cohesive unit, spraying passes about, shooting, crossing, heading, scoring. "I am glad that I am part of this team," said Brian Shin (12), a veteran on the team and one who has seen KIS Soccer mature throughout the years. Regardless of what was won and what was lost, the team came away with important lessons learned, new friends made, and a special season played out.
SWIMMING
Like any serious Division One Team, the Varsity Swimming Team carved their defining niche in one trademark value: determination. Determination led every swimmer to blindly race back and forth in watered frenzy; determination led every swimmer to break their personal records and push themselves further; determination led every swimmer to improvement and victory. The results were a staggering reflection of what has been a long-winded journey for every swimmer. As Ilmin Ahn (12) testified: “I think with a little more practice like always, we can be better than ever as a team.” Never mind the tiring and repetitive laps, the weekend games, the competitiveness of the sport, and the rancid odor of chlorine – these have only made them stronger. As they draw a close to another prosperous season, KIS' swimming contingent already looks forward to next year.
EVENTS
Concert
Soaked in the euphony that resonated across the PAC, the audience became immersed in the music of the night. The powerful procession of "Praise the Lord" by the Phoenix Chamber Singers and the Wind Ensemble's unique rendition of Korea's traditional song "Arirang" left an indelible impression. The Orchestra Cantabile’s “Night on Bald Mountain” was yet another beautiful piece, given an enthusiastic ovation from the audience. “I felt so proud of everyone for doing so well,” exclaimed violinist Jung Lee (9), “and I hope that we were able to give the seniors a good last memory of the class.” From Chinese to Baroque music, the high school orchestra and choir transcended eras and cultural disparities, enabling the audience to travel through generations and cultures in a single sitting. The endless practice of diction, pure vowels, sight-reading, and scales have enabled them to perform as one organism.
PATIO ON FIRE The first Student Council event of the year saw no firecrackers or turntables; in their place were candles and the snugness of the patio. KIS's musically best performed - live and unplugged - at Patio on Fire. The fall night was warm and exciting, and everyone felt lulled by the smooth sounds of fellow KIS students singing their hearts out. “It’s so romantic,” said Carol Choo (9) with a giant smile, surveying the tiny lights that surrounded the patio. No fancy lights, no fancy stage, no fancy seats – none of this was necessary. The evening managed, with laid-back ease, to reach out to the audience and touch their hearts.
KIStival
The Yuletide festivities became everyone's to enjoy at the Christmas KIStival, where trumpets blared to the tunes of carols and tired KISians learned to indulge in the music, the food, and the games that enlivened the evening. Sponsored by the National Honor Society, various clubs across the high school worked in full tandem to produce a genuinely school-wide celebration. According to NHS Treasurer Soyeon Jeong (11), "the clubs united to raise school spirit and made KIStival such a great success." A cozy talent show (that showcased the artistic best of the high school) and a crowd-gripping raffle completed the night in high spirits. Another KIStival, another success – this ought to be a sure fixture in the calendars to come.
FALL PLAY
After months of memorizing lines and getting into character, the Phoenix Theater performed Michel Tremblay’s comedy, Les Belles Soeurs. “What makes this play so unique is that most of the characters are female!” said Megan Song (11), and quite right she was: spattered across the stage, unkempt but beautiful, was a (mostly) all-female cast, a wheel-chaired grandmother, stamping feet, and the unrepressed rage of 20th century women in flowery dresses. The girls’ refusal to prettify themselves left the audience in sidesplitting fits of laughter from beginning to end. So humorous was the wit, the vulgarity, and the show on stage that the audience exited the PAC, merry with excitement and having seen easily one of the Phoenix Theater’s very best performances.
Spanish Festival
As each booth introduced the dynamism of Spanish-speaking countries, students were able to participate in games like “chupacabra,” and watch exciting performances, like Ms. Modly’s passionate flamenco. According to Lynn Hong (12), “Some booths definitely went further than the nachos/salsa approach, and I really enjoyed those that did. It was a great chance to hang out and speak Spanish with other Spanish students.” Moreover, who could forget the mouthwatering comidas? In an atmosphere that was vibrant but casual, the KIS chicos and chicas relished in Spanish cuisine ranging from the most basic dishes like "Quesadillas" to more complicated ones like "Dulce de Leche." No doubt this event was an unforgettable experience for both Spanish students and teachers this year!
Pep Rally
Bustling into the Phoenix Gym atop the G Building, the KIS pep rallies fired up the school with a roller-coaster of cheers, an exciting array of B-boy and cheer performances, and fun activities for all involved. Each sports season kicked off with a pep rally that encouraged school spirit and support for the sports teams. As these events were few in number and special in nature, the various games and activities especially aroused the crowd, already eager for class points and thriving in their competitive spirits. For some, like cheerleader Erica Takahashi (12), “pep rallies were an exciting opportunity for cheerleaders to show the school what they'd been working on throughout the year.” The preparation, the practice, the tinkering that went on in the Student Council room – every pep rally was a resounding success in kindling the school into life.
Social Page
The Halloween decorations, the thumping acoustics, the lights of white and green and blue and red – within the Conference Hall thundered the high school, dancing their pains away in typical KIS spirit. With performances, costume contests, activities, and the familiar trickle of romance all in full swing, the students immersed themselves in the fun of the night. Fast-forward a few months into the throes of chilly winter, and the Winter Ball sees performers, dancers, and couples take center stage in a melting pot of entertainment and romance. Every social promised a rewarding break from the books and the monotony of academia – and no doubt every social delivered on its promises in style.
Haiti Presentation
When a thousand-strong KIS students thronged into the Phoenix Gym, they were in for a lesson they could never learn in any ordinary classroom. In a joint effort by Student Council and NHS, the entire school came together to acknowledge the sheer magnitude of the 2010 Haitian earthquake. This presentation marked the culmination of a school-wide project to extend our charitable spirits and mitigate the Haitians' plight. An outstanding 30 million won was raised through the generosity of the KIS student body – the first time KIS collaborated to such great effect. Student Council treasurer Albert Joo (11) explained that this embodied a salient theme behind the entire affair: "I think an event like this was crucial not only in raising awareness, but creating unity among the entire KIS student population." As the school, in the words of Michael Jackson and company, became the world and the children, every KIS student took a few more steps towards becoming active and engaged global citizens.
APRIL ANARCHY April Anarchy, led by Student Council, was a week of delightful madness. Filled with activities like four-way soccer, tug-of-war, catch-the-dragon, and (of course) reading block, every pep rally sent the student body's spirits surging higher and higher. With overflowing school spirit and a bit of extrinsic motivation – an ice cream sundae party – each class participated passionately in a healthy competition to earn spirit points. “My favorite day is Nerd Day! On that day, I get to be myself, and no one makes fun of me,” said Mr. Israel with a big smile, expressing his keenness to dress up for Pajama Day, Character Day, Nerd Day, and Class T-shirt Day. “I enjoyed being part of planning this event, and I feel proud of Student Council’s success,” said Daniel Kim (11), one of the student representatives who worked hard to execute the event. In the midst of all the hard work and all the lost sleep, April Anarchy proved the perfect tonic for a habitually pumped student body.
ARTS WEEK To celebrate the prodigious artistic flair that decorates every KIS hallway, the Art, Music, and Drama departments organized the first-ever Arts Week that took the school by storm. The sheer overload of color, shapes, forms, sounds, harmonies, and theatrical panache – all combined to create one very vibrant April week. Chugging through a variety of activities and small exhibitions of handpicked artistry, the week culminated with a collage of all things artistic in the high school. From a performance by the Chamber Singers to slide shows of awesome artwork created by students, from an influx of ensemble music to a clip of the ever-comical Brighton Beach Memoirs, Arts Week grabbed the headlines by the scruff of the neck during a stressful juncture of the year. Ji Yoon Hyun (11) surely echoed these sentiments when she stated: “Arts Week was a definite success because we got to see how many people were talented in the various types of art.”
CHINESE & FRENCH FESTIVAL With the first-ever Chinese & French Festival, headlined "Confucius Meets Napoleon", the lower gym transformed into possibly the most hectic spectacle in the entire KIS calendar. A colorful infusion of delicious cuisine, Chinese K-pop performances, papier-mâché pandas, and French sing-alongs ensured that the entire high school remained thoroughly entertained throughout the event. On one side, students introduced the French culture through food samples and colorful posters and games; on the other, models of Tiananmen Square and the Shanghai Tower accurately demonstrated the intricacies of the Chinese heritage. Each class also staged a performance that displayed their linguistic capabilities and attracted scores of spectators. The food, the games, the performances, and the money raised for charity combined to make the Festival a success. Ms. Kim surely expressed the sentiments of the entire school on its behalf when she pronounced with a smile: "Can't wait for the next one!"
SPAIN TRIP
While Spring Break may have offered some repose with a weary end to the year approaching, 21 KIS students experienced a memorable Spring Break as they journeyed across the continent to Spain. Accompanied by Ms. Longbotham, Ms. Barga, and Mr. Baier, the students took to seeing a remarkably colorful world with enthusiasm. After three days in bustling Madrid, the heart of Spain, a city arresting in its antiquated flavor, the group proceeded to rural Valladolid, where they stayed with Spanish home-stay families for the remainder of the trip. While home-staying was an initially nerve-wracking affair, the students learned to revel in the fun of a new environment. As a satisfied Rosa Won (9) testified, "We came back with so much love for Spanish culture." As the week wound down and the group closed in on Incheon Airport, every student had cultivated relationships and memories of the most permanent kind.
SPRING PLAY
In the midst of a belated patch of warm spring and the bluest skies, Brighton Beach Memoirs humorously depicted the challenges of growing up, family tensions, and national crisis with great aplomb. Bright yet weary, tense yet brilliantly funny, this year's spring play saw the audience split their sides over the excitement of adolescence and hold their breath through the pains of personal tragedy. The performance was a fair embodiment of just how much effort and talent went into it: memorizing lines and cues, sacrificing playtime for practices, and restraining themselves from laughter, among so many other things – and their undying passion was their sole source of motivation. “It was tough, but we all did it!” said Chris Kim (9), the witty teenage protagonist with a gift for writing. A huge success among both students and faculty, Brighton Beach Memoirs saw the Phoenix Theater reach greater heights and scale taller mountains than ever before.
FULL-SPREAD / HALF-SPREAD CLUBS
NHS MAIN
"NHS has grown by leaps and bounds over the last two years. Our officers are an exceptional group," declared Ms. Kells, clearly proud of National Honor Society's runaway growth throughout this school year. Becoming an effective member of the National Honor Society takes much more than just a high GPA. One has to be devoted, ready to spend his or her free time to actually do something for the school. One has to be active, ready to volunteer for a variety of responsibilities. One has to be loud, ready to voice an opinion during a make-or-break discussion. The passion and devotion of each member this year has impressed the entire school, which proves that NHS can manage to reach greater heights in the years to come.
NHS PRESIDENT, IL-JEE KAM
The passion she exudes is so infectious that it drives those around her to work harder. Il-jee Kam (12) is the one who has helped the organization expand into something bigger than just a club. Energetic and unrelenting in her duties, Il-jee has played a decisive role in holding a variety of events that brought the entire school together. From welcoming new students to spearheading KIStival, she has worked positively to push the rest of the group forward.
NHS VICE PRESIDENT, JAY PARK Jay Park (11) possesses many of the things it takes to be a leader: service, scholarship, character, and a great smile. A perfect presence next to the dynamic Il-jee, Jay's endeavors to serve NHS in every way possible has been indispensable to the organization's massive success. This young gentleman looks forward to the club’s future. “I feel honored to take part in leading such a dynamic group of students, yearning to make a difference both in and out of the school."
MUN Future world leaders gather, well-dressed and prepared, resolutions in hand, pens clicking – this is the natural order of things in KIS Model United Nations. Easily the largest club in KIS, MUN provides a genuine opportunity for students to collaborate in tackling the world's most pressing problems, from the empowerment of women to the prevention of illegal drug-trafficking. Wallowing in the intricacies of parliamentary procedure, the glamor of conferences abroad, and the sheer hardships of international diplomacy, the KIS delegation has matured into a group whose enthusiasm is unparalleled. With the rare chance to experience new pastures in China and Singapore, MUN just keeps growing by the year. It'd be wise to expect more resolutions, more plane tickets, and more men-in-black represent KIS in the future. MUN – Jessica Yun, Secretary General
Commanding great respect within the walls of the classroom is Jessica Yun (12), the Secretary General of the KIS MUN club. A visionary, Jessica continues to contribute greatly to KIS MUN since her debut as a delegate four years ago. President of the THIMUN Commission on Sustainable Development, President of the SEOMUN Special Conference, and Assistant President of the BEIMUN General Assembly are just a few of the distinguished positions she has mustered over the years – proof of her untarnished passion for MUN.
MUN – Jane Woo, Deputy Secretary General
With the Secretary General comes her capable deputy, Deputy Secretary General, Jane Woo (11). Charismatic and forthcoming, Jane began her ventures into parliamentary debate during her freshmen days, and her passion for MUN has only burned brighter over the years. Her MUN experience is almost without parallel among KIS delegates, having tackled numerous issues of various breeds. It seems that we can only expect even greater things from our future Secretary General as MUN continues to grow here at KIS.
PTV
The journalistic elite of KIS took to the art of reporting with an innovative twist as they launched Phoenix Television, known as PTV. Every Friday, PTV provides weekly coverage of the school’s goings-on, ranging from socials to sports games to MUN conferences in pastures anew. Designed through the efforts of advisor Mr. Longbotham and his handpicked crew of journalists, PTV has grown from a classroom activity to a full-fledged enterprise in the space of one short year. “Everyone has something important to contribute,” asserted Albert Joo (11), attesting to the class’s journalistic know-how and undoubted talent in front of – and behind – the cameras. A sheer godsend from the English Department, PTV has refined the KIS culture with real authority, and no doubt it’ll herald a school-wide tradition of its own in the years to come.
Speech & Debate Club
The eloquence that thrives among the KIS student body becomes most evident in the Speech & Debate Club, whose popularity is sky high and efforts are rewarding – quite enormously. Hanna Kim (11) said with more than a dash of pride: “It’s been great to see KIS’s Speech & Debate team coast up the rankings year after year, and now we’re one of the teams to ‘look out for’ in every tournament.” Speech & Debate Club’s rags-to-riches, coming-of-age story has reached a new climax this year, with greater heights reached, newer accolades secured, and a potent team assembled and cultivated. Placing in duo acting and oratory became a fixture for a KIS team whose talents remain second to none in and among resilient competition. Oh, and an added bonus: “everyone seems to enjoy their work!” exclaimed an excited Hanna.
Flat Classroom
A select group of juniors found another reason to book a few plane tickets, this time to Hong Kong and Mumbai – the Flat Classroom Workshop. Dedicated to encouraging collaboration and the ingenuity of the Web 2.0 experience, the Flat Classroom Workshop formed an invaluable learning curve for all involved. Students from all over the world gathered to solve technological issues with technology – and the results were impressive. Two-time participant Kathy Lee (11) stressed the heroics of the KIS contingent: "One of the things I realized was just how smart KIS students are." With a one-to-one laptop program at the plinth of our curriculum, this insight into technology couldn't be more preciously pertinent.
Habitat for Humanity "Change doesn’t come from the sky. It comes from human action."- Tenzin Gyatso
Habitat for Humanity makes its name by contributing to a simple, noble cause – helping others. This cause stretches beyond the walls of any classroom, the boundaries of any campus, the limits of any activity: it’s everywhere, affecting everything and everyone. Quite rightly, Habitat for Humanity strives to exhibit a sense of charity that's respected and loved in every corner of the globe. This year's group of plucky individuals journeyed to Malaysia and Indonesia to provide shelters for the deprived, and every step of the way was part of their doing. “Your every action counts,” said Jerica Yoon (9), “Habitat for Humanity is a club where little counts for big and people's lives all around the world change in every way, everyday.” The result? Fulfillment, satisfaction, changed lives, and some great kids – kids that, in the words of Michelle Lim (12), "I don't think I'll ever forget.” Habitat for Humanity and its ever-growing group of young patrons are undoubted role models for any KIS student.
Student Council From deciding on a snack sale menu to finalizing a dance party’s theme, putting together any event—big or small—demands a bucketful of compromises. Patio on Fire, Halloween Party: Darkness, and weekly snack sales were the winners that survived a brutal elimination process. “Each event was a collection of distinctive voices,” Yong Min Cho (12) recalled. According to the officers, the first few meetings were chaotic. Everyone had something to tell, and each voice differed drastically. But after a year of hard work and successful events in return, they all agree on one fact: every discussion, every second of discord creates an interesting adventure. This is a group that's slowly come together after beating each other down and building each other back up – this is our 2009-10 KIS Student Council.
President – Yong Min Cho “Who’s selling the snacks next week?” He’s on the very top of the bureaucracy. He's the face of our school, the role model of his peers, loved by all. He's defined above all by his humble disposition – he cares about every event, listens to every representative, and ends every meeting with a big smile that comforts all around him. As the leader of the student body, our President Yong Min Cho (12) has opened his ears and mind to those who wished to participate and share their voice.
Vice President – Jenn Kim
While the President braves the spotlight and engages the podium with typical panache, Vice-President Jenn Kim (11) stands behind. But given that actions do speak louder than words, she has not been unheard. Whatever has not been done – whether it be decorations, phone calls, notes, important decisions – enters Jenn’s repertoire with minimal fuss. The official go-to person in Student Council, Jenn’s input has been nothing short of essential.
Activities Coordinator – Il Min Ahn Il Min Ahn (12) was elected as the Activities Coordinator, yet his role within Student Council goes beyond the limitations of his title. Gifted with a steely sense of determination, his sheer resolve gears him to face anyone – the President, the school administration, and everyone else – to represent the student body. He is loud enough to shout out during pep rallies. He is creative enough to design each and every activity that Student Council has held. Il Min Ahn is the leader that you want.
Secretary – Da Bin Lee She's the Secretary, but Student Council knows her by a name far more telling: sorry-but-no-queen. Da Bin Lee (12) is never afraid to raise her voice whenever she sees fit. “All of the officers are very aggressive,” asserts Da Bin as she explains the brutal air that pervades every meeting. “But disagreements eventually result in productive compromises, because, in the end, we want the same thing. We want students to have fun.”
Treasurer – Albert Joo Our treasurer is quite the talented one: he’s skilled at not only counting money, but also singing, dancing, and DJing. Albert Joo’s (11) musical ability has helped Student Council take its concerts and socials to the next level. And partly due to this young musician’s exceptional accounting ability is the 2009-10 Student Council's very own record-breaking feat: earning the most amount of money ever in the history of KIS.
KEY CLUB
MAIN Key Club at KIS is completely driven by students who strive to make a difference in the school community. Despite its short history and small numbers, Key Club has been nothing short of a novel success – in a period of less than two quarters, the club completed five whole projects. President Lauren Lee (12) insists that the club’s members, officers, and advisors deserve to be credited with its huge success and describes them as “simply fantastic.” We make our greatest first steps as infants – and no doubt Key Club’s own infancy bore all the hallmarks of imminent importance in the KIS club catalog.
President Lauren Lee Bearing ultimate responsibility for Key Club’s affairs, meetings, and programs, President Lauren Lee (12) is a significant role model for all involved in Key Club. Dutiful with her job and chiefly responsible for the club’s amiable atmosphere, Lauren's passionate attitude translates into an ever-supportive leader for every Key Club member. “Key Club has accomplished so much already,” she asserted, “I have every faith that our club will continue to develop and advance.”
Vice President Sarah Jang
As the President's right hand, Vice President Sarah Jang (12) is another essential figure in Key Club. In an effort to provide more opportunities for meaningful participation, Sarah conducts weekly orphanage visits to the Local Jeongja Youth Center. “Teaching English to the kids can be tough at first,” admitted Sarah, “but it’s definitely a worthwhile endeavor; by the end of an hour, you'll feel that you've connected with the kids and made a definite impression on them.”
Secretary Chaeri Jeong
The job of the Secretary is perhaps the most taxing of all. In the hands of Secretary Chaeri Jeong (12) are all of the club’s important records, files, and details. Every club meeting, the sharp secretary types away with the deftness of her nimble fingers as idea after idea is discussed. Despite the sheer dedication her position requires, Chaeri remains characteristically merry: “I’m grateful for letting my good organization skills be put to use as Secretary."
TREASURER – JANE RYU
Money is always a sensitive issue, and it's up to the treasurer to see that everything is done properly. One of Key Club’s youngest members, Jane Ryu (9) was an unexpected addition to the officer team. But in disbursing funds, collecting dues, and maintaining financial records, Jane has risen to every routine demand of her position with a rare meticulousness. In the face of much pressure, her diligence has helped Key Club in every step of its yearlong journey.
EDITOR – JAE DOH
As Key Club’s chief communicator and publicist, Jae Doh (12) is responsible for maintaining the club’s public face – something the Editor needs to truly take in his stride, and something Jae does with clear aplomb. Managing Key Club’s official website, creating calendars, and keeping the school community up-to-date, Jae’s handy technological skills frequently come into play, week after week.
QUARTER-SPREAD CLUBS
MUNity East
To the secrets of THIMUN-Singapore’s successful conference lay not only the delegates, but also the reporters, photographers, editors, artists, and layout designers of the MUNity East Press Team. Every issue, 16 to 20 pages in length, featured a wide range of humor and information that sold their ways into the eyes of almost every delegate. Special features such as “Building Bridges” displayed the importance of cultural awareness in an international conference, while the video crew went experimental in a first-ever edition of MUNity East Television (METV). “I think being a part of Munity East was a very unique experience,” said Lauren Lee (12), one of the Press Team’s chief editors. In the throes of an ever-expanding conference, things can only bode well for the array of journalistic talents THIMUN have at their disposal.
Phoenix Plume
Did you miss a social? Did you forget to take photos? No need to despair: you have the Phoenix Plume! This incredible group of students promptly created videos, weekly reviews, photos, and myriad of updated news on sports, the arts, and events revolving KIS. Our community is connected and intertwined, thanks to Phoenix Plume's use of technology and updated emails. Comprised of members with forward-thinking mindsets and Mr. Longbotham who is, “flexible and lets students freely give input,” as Youjin Kim (12) described, Phoenix Plume has only bettered and progressed in every aspect. “Though being a part of the Plume is hard work, the outcome never fails to inspire us to stride further... You can even follow us through Twitter!” said Youjin.
Visual Impact
Visual impact is the veritable objective in Visual Impact club, where dedication and craftiness are musts for success. Fronted by Ms. Modly, Visual Impact strives to add to the school’s artistic punch, to decorate the halls with delicate brushstrokes and stuff of real aesthetic power. The dreary pink and grey palette that seeps through every KIS building has given way to some inspiring colors this year – and much of it was a result of Visual Impact’s stunning success.
DGC
A unique club at KIS is Design for a Good Cause, a circle of students who use art and design to aid those deprived of the gifts we often take for granted. DGC’s main project was to lend a hand for Haiti. No one describes the club’s ethos more effectively than Courteney Kim (12): “There is no time to rest because we are always busy cutting, pasting, sketching, and painting in an assembly line." What makes this club so special is that students not only aid those less fortunate, but they “also get to stretch our imagination and think outside the box,” said Courtney.
MOCK TRIAL
At first, Mock Trial seems like something reserved for the seriously intellectual – those aspiring for the spotlight in future courtrooms. But club founder Dongju Lee (11) asserted the contrary: “Mock Trial isn’t just about practicing for a future in law; it’s about reading, writing, performing and building confidence.” High-strung results in competitions both home and abroad have shown these students’ pedigree in the courtroom, and no doubt these achievements will not only translate into accolades, but also skills in real-life situations.
Indoor Wall Climbing
This year saw the advent of a new rock-climbing wall in a new gym in a new building – and thus it only made sense to establish a club dedicated to its benefits. Devoted to drilling beginners in the basics of scaling a wall and rappelling down, Indoor Wall Climbing club has ensured the full use of our cutting-edge facilities in appropriate fashion. After a great introduction into the club schedule, this club is bound to stamp its mark on KIS culture.
Global Issues Network
When you blend the ubiquity of global issues and the practicality of local solutions, you end up with Global Issues Network – a KIS club committed to addressing some of the world’s most serious predicaments. We’ve spoilt our planet, monopolized our wealth, and marginalized our minorities; and Global Issues Network looks to rectify this situation, real-time. Working both within the campus quarters and with people in pastures anew, Global Issues Network has attempted to really be the change they want to see in the world – to great effect.
Hip-Hop Club
Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, Kanye West – do these names ring a bell? Well, they were definitely an inspiration to members of the Hip-Hop Club. Our homeboys and girls celebrated the hip-hop culture with numerous performances throughout the year. By singing, rapping, and beat-boxing, they fired up the stage and brought the audience closer to an expressive and powerful genre of music. Won Seok Choi (12) summed it up perfectly when he said, “We love to perform, rap, and sing. That’s what our club is all about.”
MIDI Club Founded by Andrew Lee (12) and Keunwha Song (12), MIDI Club is comprised of songwriters and composers learning how to produce original music through electronic media and the Logic Express program. Completed songs have been broadcast on PTV and the PTV promotion video, both to great success. Despite the club’s relative youth, Andrew has some grand plans for the club’s future: “I want more clubs and individuals to ask us for music, and we also want to distribute our own CD’s soon as well.” With a real passion for music resonating through its speakers, MIDI Club is fast becoming one of KIS' most popular grassroots clubs.
Welcome to KIS
Still don’t know much about KIS? Having trouble getting used to the routines? The first-time frustration, the culture shock, the anxiety are just too familiar to even the oldest contingent of the KIS student body – and some of this year’s new students are certainly calling out for help. In Welcome to KIS Club, high school students gather every club block with one common goal: to establish a warm climate for the new students at KIS. A real source of service to the school, these students exert themselves in order to make the newest faction of the high school feel at home among the routine bewilderment that needs getting used to. "Our club welcomes anybody who's willing to help out KIS!"
Math competition club To join the math competition club, “you don’t necessarily have to be good at mathematics. You just need to like it,” said Il Won Chang (12). The club consists of great enthusiasts for numbers and equations, and has undergone a startling phase of growth this year. The club has, for instance, grown fond of awards as it increased its trophy haul. But award or no award, every student walks away having learned something about the mechanics of numbers.
Spanish CLUB
Whoever isn't satisfied with just Spanish in the classroom find their refuge in Spanish Club, where they extend their grasp on all things Spanish. From Spanish culture to Spanish cuisine to Spanish language, those in Spanish Club were unafraid to take a few extra steps in enhancing their lingual capabilities and cultural expertise. Spanish Club also laid the foundation for a colorful Spanish Festival, where students and teachers gathered in a fiesta of food, fun, music, and surprises, and produced a documentary of the Spain Trip to display the flavors of Spanish heritage with first-hand footage. Jenny Lee (11) eagerly remarked on the club's success: "Whether it be by the Spanish Festival or by our Spain Trip documentary, we hope that we brought the Spanish culture much closer than before to the student body."
Actions of Compassion
Pet-sitting jobs, T-shirt sales, vegetarian burger sales, animal shelter visits, and donation drives – Actions of Compassion has been in full swing since day one this year, and it has maintained their diligence ever since. Every club block, these animal lovers busily exchange ideas for fundraisers and potential goals. The club’s leaders, Jessica Choi (11) and Helen Kang (11), are thrilled to see members actively participate to their full extent, as Jessica gladly affirmed: “I’m extremely proud of this club; with hard work and passion, we will be able to accomplish anything we put our hearts into.”
Jazz Band
Stroll down the aisle to experience a moment in the world of jazz. A collection of the most adept musicians from every grade, the Jazz Band Club is comprised of musicians who really care for their music and delight in more than their share of jazz music. The works of Miles Davis, Stan Getz, Herbie Hancock, and the like translate into blessed reality as those fingers dance upon trumpets, flutes, guitars, and saxophones. With the club’s fairly long history and gifted profile, the Jazz Band has become a fixture in every KIS concert, and every year has seen only returns of unbridled success. "Jazz is alive and here to stay at KIS," an enthusiastic Mr. Baier asserted to describe the band's achievements. "It has been my pleasure jamming with such wonderfully creative musicians."
Baseball club
This year has seen KIS' sporting profile in KAIAC and AISA flourish in every possible way, but enthusiasts for another sport have been growing in numbers throughout the year – baseball. “I always wanted to play baseball at school, but the school did not provide the opportunity. That’s why I decided to create the opportunity myself,” said club founder Kyungjoon Lee (12). Despite its freshness on the club agenda, Baseball Club has realized the sporting interests of numerous high school students throughout this year, improving dramatically every week. No doubt this could see the ascent of another sport within the fondness of the KIS student body.
PGC
Climate change has become quite the media phenomenon – but the KIS community has its own answer to the greenhouse gases in Project Global Cooling. One of the club’s leaders Patrick Nam (12) quoted Gandhi to illustrate the club’s ethos: “We want to be the change we want to see in the world.” And simply put, the club delivers effortlessly on that count: student-formed and student-led, PGC embodies the students’ response to our dilapidated environment, staging presentations and spreading awareness with a musical touch that wields massive popularity.
Dance Club
So you think you can dance? “Yes!” replied a confident Erica Takahashi (12). One of the most popular clubs among the student body, Dance Club took their skills and passions to the next level with some challenging choreographies and a variety of genres. The boys took to mastering break-dance, locking, tumbling, and Krumping, while the girls aimed to grasp waving, girls' hip-hop, and modern dancing. With their fair share of practice and sweat, these dancers were determined to blow their audience away – not only with their agile movements, but also with their creative flavor and spunk. The annual Dance Showcase, along with the first-ever Dance KAIAC, exhibited the cream of the crop among the dancing contingent of the student body, and the grace of the end result clearly depended on some painstaking preparation from every dancer.
JAZZ IMPROV
An inseparable sibling to the Jazz Band, Jazz Improv Club takes the artistry of jazz to another level. With a couple of chord progressions, a beat, and a dash of musical genius, Jazz Improv Club churns out the skeleton of a masterpiece in minutes. Headed by Mr. Baier and Andrew Lee (12), the club is comprised of novices and experienced musicians alike who are all in to have great fun with music. As drummer Sungwoo Moon (12) stated, "the club is designed so that we can get the best out of every instrument, everyone can become more confident, and we can have a good time" – three essential elements of any musical group looking for growth and success.
DEPARTING TEACHERS
Mr. Israel: Our beloved Mr. Israel again had some choice words to offer: “I will miss the students, teachers, and sam-gyup-sal. And, for those of you that care, my quest for the perfect taco will continue in China.” Mr. Spivey: Mr. Spivey had two reminders to the students of KIS: “Remember to be humble, listen to others, and learn from your mistakes. And also remember: when you get your first billion, all I ask for is one million. Unmarked US dollars only please. I know you guys can handle it.” Ms. Osborne: Ms. Osborne will be sorely missed by what she is best known for: a cheery, bubbly persona, and tricky math problems. When asked what she will miss most about KIS, she replied with a smile, “I will miss the students the most as they brightened my day every day.” Mr. Baier: Mr. Baier will be missed for a few choice things (among many others): his projects, his trademark wit, his enthusiasm for science, and his meticulous handwriting. “If I were to stuff all my wonderful experiences in a bag," he said, "the airlines would have to charge me extra for being over the 25-kg limit. Oh, and yellow-tinted glasses make the world bright. Try on a pair today.” Mr. Bushnell: Mr. Bushnell leaves blessed with four years of great memories: "Thanks, KIS, for a wonderful four years; you will be remembered fondly." Mr. Perron: An ever-present along the KIS hallways, Mr. Perron explained just how special his KIS experience has been: “I will miss all of the wonderful people who have touched my life and made me a better person. If you’re reading this, I mean you!” Mr. Otis: Mr. Otis was his usually honest self as he said: "It has been my pleasure and sincere honor to serve KIS students, parents and faculty these past two years. Go forth and succeed." Mr. Boerner: Although Mr. Boerner found much reason to be sad as he leaves KIS, his last advice is his most memorable: "The past five years have been some of the most rewarding, exciting, and fun in my career. I will miss you and KIS greatly. Continue to pursue your dreams and your goals – for KIS is what it is today because of you! Goodbye, but not farewell!" Ms. Barga: Ms. Barga leaves KIS with more than a touch of melancholy: "KIS and Korea will always have a special place in my heart. I don't think it's likely that I will find better students anywhere else that I teach." Ms. Boerner: A veteran of the KIS faculty, Ms. Boerner expressed her thanks to KIS in the face of an exciting journey to Bangladesh: “I want to thank everyone for making our experience in Korea so positive and wish KIS continues to flourish.” Mr. Greenwood: Always reliable and ready to make a difference, Mr. Greenwood had only the students and staff to thank for his experience: “The motivated students and dedicated staff have made these two years zoom by. I will sorely miss KIS as this school has made a lasting impression on me.” Ms. Modly: After a fruitful two years, Ms. Modly is heading to Istanbul, Turkey with her family. Her last words were apt and concise: “Be art smart!” Mr. Ski: Mr. Ski's farewell was adorned with some last advice: "No matter where you go in life, remember this: do what is right, no matter how unpopular or difficult; follow your heart, no matter how scary it may be; and be sure you find a way to smile and enjoy every day, if only for a little while. May the force be with you all." Mr. Loewer: Mr. Loewer's devotion to every P.E. class made his stay all the more special: "My time here has been memorable and I will always remember KIS with great fondness. I hope that I may run into some of you again one day." Ms. Wentworth: "I am pretty sure that I will most likely never again have students who work as hard!" said Ms. Wentworth, the teacher with the brightest smile and the happiest advice: "a day without laughter is a day wasted."
FALL SPORTS BIG QUOTES
Boys Tennis – Daniel Lee (11): “Our best achievement was improvement, both in skill and unity.” Girls Tennis – Jessica Chang (10): “The will to win is critical; the will to prepare, vital.” Boys Volleyball –Sean Han (12): “We’ve got each other’s back.” Girls Volleyball – Elaine Lee (11): “We're more than teammates; we're sisters.” Boys Cross Country – Daniel Joh (12): "The crowd's not cheering for him – they're cheering for me." Girls Cross Country – Emily Kim (11): “This year, the girls ranked in KAIAC. Enough said.”
WINTER SPORTS BIG QUOTES
Boys Basketball – Younsuk Chae (12): "Bunch of wins and losses. But one championship, one team, with pride." Girls Basketball – Pola Shim (12): "Together we dribbled, we ran, we laughed, we cried. We were family." Cheerleading – Lydia Ahn (11): "From humiliation and drama to victory – we went through everything together."
SPRING SPORTS BIG QUOTES
Boys Soccer – All boys in unison before every game: "What are we going to do? Win!" Girls Soccer – Pola Shim (12): "We’ve come such a long way as a team. I’m so proud." Swimming – Ilmin Ahn (12): "It's simple: practice makes perfect."
FALL SPORTS MISC. QUOTES (2 EACH)
Boys Tennis – Jason Cho (12): "With or without H1N1, the team improved a ton this season." Boys Tennis – Jay Park (11): "We went from 8th to 5th in two short years. We promise better next season." Girls Tennis – Jessica Choi (11): "Unfortunately, H1N1 stopped us from becoming the champion. But next year, we will sure be the one to win." Girls Tennis –
Boys Volleyball –Dongmin Lim (12): “I’m proud of our team for constantly growing and improving.” Boys Volleyball –Billy Park (10): "Being on the team, learning, playing – these things made it worth joining." Girls Volleyball – Rachel Seo (9): "Words cannot describe how much we learned and improved." Girls Volleyball – Michelle Lim (12): "Volleyball is more than just a sport to us. It's what keeps us together both on and off the court." Boys Cross Country – Patrick Nam (12): "Cross-country and we had a love-hate relationship: we hated running, but we loved it too." Boys Cross Country – Kyu Park (9): "Win yourself; if you've done that, you have already won ten guys in front of you." Girls Cross Country – Angie Jo (10): "Anyone can run. But only some people actually enjoy running." Girls Cross Country –
WINTER SPORTS MISC. QUOTES (2 EACH)
Boys Basketball –Minhyo Moon (12): "This year was the most successful season ever in the history of KIS Basketball, and we worked harder than anybody else to achieve this feat." Boys Basketball – Peter Lee (12): “KIS Basketball has achieved a much higher level in its program.”
Girls Basketball – Leah Park (11): "We became stronger, tougher, and better players than before; I am so proud of my team mates." Girls Basketball – Seo Hyun Kim (9): "Every single player worked so hard to make this season unforgettable." Cheerleading – Chaeri Jeong (12): "Third place in KAIAC: we couldn't be any happier." Cheerleading – Erica Takahashi (12): "Two hours a day, four days a week, four weeks a month, for eight months, just for half-times: but every moment is worth it."
SPRING SPORTS MISC. QUOTES (2 EACH)
Boys Soccer – Sueun Jee (12): "We've all experienced different injuries, but no one complains; the fun we have outweighs everything else." Boys Soccer – Jeffrey Ahn (12): "I study, raise my GPA, work hard, practice – all to play soccer." Girls Soccer –Grace Paik (12): “By the end of every practice, I'm exhausted. But I love that feeling.” Girls Soccer – Lydia Kim (12): "I could not have hoped for a better team."
Swimming –Brendan Ryu (9): “Swimming is all about challenging yourself, and we definitely learned to challenge ourselves this season.” Swimming – Coach Taylor: “Week one, swimming 1800 meters took them the whole practice. Now, they swim over 2000 meters an hour!”
ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT QUOTES (1 EACH)
Physical Education – Alex Kim (9): "I like playing a variety of sports over a period of one year - it's fun and refreshing." Drama –Lydia Kim (12): “Through drama, I discovered a whole new me!” Music – Sarah Park (9): “Being a part of the music class helped me discover and develop my talents and interests.” Math – Boram Lee (11): "Apart from derivatives and integrals, math teaches us to be patient when solving a problem." English – Brian Shin (12): "In class, we read, talk, and write. It looks really simple – until you take the class." Science –Priscilla Kim (11): "Science is not a collection of facts, just as literature is not merely defined by words." Art – Eunsoo Suh (12): "I like art because no one tells me what to do with my work." Foreign Languages – Jessica Yun (12): "C'est en pratiquant la langue et en découvrant la culture qu'on apprend le français." Social Studies – Mr. Spivey: "This world is your world. Play with it, kids."
YEARBOOK TEAM
Yearbook Team
“Every single year, the Yearbook Staff astounds me with their originality, creativity, and commitment to taking Yearbook to the next level,” said a thoroughly satisfied Ms. Patterson – and sure enough, this year’s bunch was just as industrious and inventive as its predecessors. Scattered throughout the entire high school, every single staff member strove to capture every single moment: from author visits, assemblies, performances, festivals, sports games, to class-time – you'd name it, and they'd be there. Though it's been a demanding year, the Yearbook staff has remained faithful throughout the whole process. Laughter, mandatory after-school meetings, sacrificed lunches, and Facebook in-box messages were the bits and pieces that put this very book together, and at the root of it all was a group of students, dedicated and excited to get the job done.
ANNIE PARK, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: PRODUCTION
In the midst of all the cheeriness and stress in Ms. Patterson's classroom, there was one figure quietly pulling the strings, approving every design and answering every query. Annie Park (12) has orchestrated every scrap of business in the creation of the 2009-10 Yearbook with experience, leadership, and characteristic geniality. Although creating the Yearbook has been a purely collaborative effort, and making every piece of the puzzle meet has demanded an extraordinary aggregate of creativity, enterprise, and diligence, Annie's visionary direction has been hard to ignore. To all those who remain to craft next year's Yearbook, good luck without the one who made this year's Yearbook possible.
YURA JUNG, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: MANAGEMENT Yura Jung (12) is the mother of this Yearbook. Each page, each word, and everything within the hardbound volume that you hold right now is the result of her tireless management, her leadership, her creative approval. Alongside Annie Park (12), Yura's guidance pointed the Yearbook Team in all the right directions, cheering everyone up when they needed words of encouragement, sternly reminding everyone of every deadline, ensuring that the job gets done. She was our reliable leader, a true inspiration, and a helpful friend. As a team, we – the Yearbook staff – thank her, and you better thank her too for the yearlong endeavor that enabled this publication.
CLASS WRITING
SENIOR RETREAT STORY
Life isn’t always easy. From the beginning, we've met hardship after hardship; yet the hardships that we faced during the first weekend of our senior year were of a different nature: mosquitos, sweat, mud, UV rays, snoring, and four user-unfriendly bathrooms that had to be shared by 69 people.
But we managed to get through it all. Complaints gave way to brilliant laughter. No one cared about drenched shoes and aching legs. Without hesitation, we all marched atop muddy Jungmi mountain, jumped into the water, and embraced this time out of our comfort zones.
“I can’t do this!” Jennifer Park (12) cried out, high above the ground, tied to a single rope. The ropes course, more than anything else, tested our bravery. Some passed without flinching, while others struggled. But in the end, every Senior – even Jennifer, who did let herself swing across the air – managed to muster enough bravery to conquer every setback.
The retreat wasn't only a time to mingle with peers, but also a time to seriously look into ourselves and think about who we really are. “Letter to self for half an hour? What am I supposed to write to myself ?” Sungwoo Moon (12) wondered aloud. But as soon as we gripped our pencils, we didn’t stop writing, even for a second, until that half-hour was over. These letters, sealed in brown envelopes, marked the end of a one-of-a-kind weekend.
Life can be good. Life can be bad. Stuff happens; things go wrong. When you feel like your world is falling apart, just remember one thing: Seniors, I got your back.
PURCHASE PAGES
Dear Parents of the Class of 2010,
Twilight, daybreak, reddish horizons, and a new start: your sons and daughters are about to leap into another chapter of their lives. This chapter is an epilogue and a prologue mashed into one: it's an end and a beginning, a moment when you're done and a moment when you start back up again. But as much as it is a fresh start into something more special than any high school recollection, we want to cherish the past – the things that make this milestone possible. We want to cherish the people who have put their noses to the grindstone, working, paying money, cooking, working, ironing clothes, working. We want to cherish the heroes of our childhood and the supporters from our sidelines, the people who make everything possible for every student in this school. Thank you so much, parents.
The pages that follow are the Purchase Pages of the Class of 2010, our little way of cherishing the past of every student. And among the collages of antiquated photographs lay your short messages, your little way of celebrating your sons' and daughters' leap into the real world. We earnestly thank you for your contributions to this Class, this school, and this yearbook. Daybreak has come and gone, but more daybreaks are fast approaching – so we want to this one all the more memorable.
Sincerely,
The Yearbook Team of 2010
FRESHMAN STORY
When asked to describe this year’s freshmen, every teacher replied, as though in unison: “Ambitious.” And right they were. There’s the usual story: eighth-graders dream of a whole new world beyond middle school before the brutal workload brings them back down to Earth. But with this routine spiel came an added twist: this special class of freshmen, known for their intensity, would manage to get through the sleepless nights comfortably. Every assignment, every quiz, every scrap of homework is taken very seriously – so much so that, according to Mr. Trotter, the freshmen need some “mandatory fun time” to squeeze in some time off (sigh) into their tight schedules. Only ordinary freshies make do with the usual freshman story; the Class of ’13 seemingly won’t make do with anything ordinary.
JUNIOR STORY
Junior year is never fun – and there aren’t any exceptions. No false warnings, no overplayed myths – none of that. And no doubt the Class of ’11 knew as much. They knew that it was time to waltz their ways into SAT testing centers and work at dazzling their future college admissions directors. They knew that if their freshmen and sophomore past had its fair share of sleepless nights, junior year could only be three times as bad. But amazingly enough, the Class of ’11 have maintained their gung-ho selves this year – even as they bargained their sanity for higher GPAs and forgot to worry about how awful they looked every morning. Every iMovie, every podcast, and everything else that constitutes junior year is only one obstacle in their march towards leadership, towards college, and towards becoming greater, better people. Their passionate vibe, meanwhile, is more than capable of getting the job done.
SOPHOMORE STORY
Walking along the corridor, there is something undeniably special about this class. It's a vibe that separates them from others; keen to learn and indefatigable, the Class of '12 is an indescribable group made of distinct individuals.
The life of a sophomore, more hectic and pressing than freshman year, is not a breeze. But they don’t fret because they are more than just sophomores – smart, quirky, and amply gifted, whether it be in the arts, sports, and academics, this year's sophomores are far from the ordinary. They even manage to throw in some fun into their eventful lives, mindful of the impending uphill struggle of junior year. As their teachers push the sophomores harder each day, in preparation of the hard times ahead, they strive to improve and thrive in typical KIS spirit.
Unique. Diverse. Cutting-edge.
We hereby bring you the gems of KIS: our sophomores – a.k.a, the Class of '12.
SENIOR STORY
Being a senior feels different – of course, every year is not the same, but seriously , senior year is different. We'd spent our last three years in high school, but a whole new spectrum of challenges awaited us in our very last year together. And what a year it's been. We've been forced to fall in love with Mr. Modica and spend quality time with Common App. We've been toiling away, either floundering through our formidable workload or worrying about getting it all done. And now, here we are – ready to kick-start our journeys into the real world. Loud, wild, and a bit weird too, the Class of ’10 now departs. Once the big fish in the little pond, we now enter a sea of life much bigger, uglier, and more beautiful than anything we've ever gone through. Goodbye, English Only policy. So long to words like "target" and "far reach." And farewell to all that belong to this homey place called KIS. We’ll try to miss you guys.
STUDENT LIFE
Start. Orientation. Fresh faces. Returning faces. Stories of summer. Troubling first days. Getting into rhythm. New building. New skywalk. New gym. New everything. First-day amazement, followed by weariness at more stairs to climb. PTV, the fresh journalistic enterprise. Getting used to everything. Temperature checks and “the situation on high alert.” Patio on Fire. College applications. Volleyball games in the Phoenix Gym. H1N1 and KAIAC heartbreak. Les Belles Soeurs. Darkness Social. SEOMUN and THIMUN-Singapore. Fun and games at KIStival. College applications. Countdown to winter break. Last-day chaos. Winding down. Yuletide joy and comfort. A happy ending. Hello, 2010. Adieu, Common App. Travesty in Haiti. Water bottles and coins for donation. Victory for basketball in Japan. SATs. Finals. More weariness. Winter Ball and assorted romance. Meetings with the counselor. BEIMUN. Thinking of a faraway sanctuary named Summer Break. Mass exodus to Cebu and Spain. Short outbreak of flu. More studying. April Anarchy. Soccer games. Worrying. Cramming. Juggling too much in a day. Lack of sleep. Involuntary napping. Graduation gown sizes. Brighton Beach Memoirs. More worrying. Last tidbits forced into short-term memory. Showtime. SATs. APs. Hasty matchmaking for prom. Yearbooks. Graduation and a tempest of emotions. Tension dissipating in seconds, only to rebuild again. SATs. Finals. Winding down for some blissful repose. El Fín – finally.
CLASS PAGE WRITING – FRESHMEN
FRESHMEN REPS
From the popular Monday snack sales to the funky pep rallies and fancy socials, the Student Council is responsible for all the fun at KIS. Consisting of students ranging from freshmen to seniors, Student Council is one of the few clubs that require a lot of interaction between underclassmen and upperclassmen. They are known for sacrificing lunches, running around during socials to stand guard, and staying up to make posters. Carol Choo (9), Rachel Lee (9), and Rosa Won (9), the freshmen trio who have stirred up new vibes in Student Council this year, have proved that they can accomplish tasks smoothly and have fun in doing so. “Thank you all for giving me a chance to make a great school year with the other representatives!” said Rachel.
Don't get us mixed up - Superlatives Writing (58 words)
Oddly enough, the freshmen class have five people sharing one name: Peter. This caused freshmen - and the Peters themselves - to get creative. “I like the fact that there are so many of us; we’re just automatically categorized and it gives a sense of togetherness,” said Peter Sungkook Kim (9).KISians
Has the freshmen class always been this big? More than a hundred strong freshmen throng in and around the halls everyday. But only a few have walked these halls for the seventh year running – only a few have seen the school grow with them. “I think KIS has grown in every way,” says Taeyoon Kim (9), “there no aspect that has stayed the same, and I really like the direction our school is heading.”
CLASS PAGE WRITING – JUNIORS
JUNIOR BAND
The musicians of the KIS Junior Band don’t prefer the taste of the drearily unoriginal, so they resort to something better: they search for the original and the creative for themselves. While many KIS musicians of past and present identify with certain genres, the Junior Band mixes soulful arena rock with eloquent hip-hop and mellow ballads to form something even more satisfying. Fronted by an array of talent and a profound liking for music, the Junior Band – and soon-to-be Senior Band – finds themselves at the forefront of the KIS music scene.
Short Interview with JuniorsSusan Park (11)
Q1: how do you feel about AP courses?
AP courses were intimidating when I took them as a sophomore, but as a junior, I know what to expect, so it's easier to prepare for.
Q2: Do you feel better when the freshman bow to you?
It's awkward when they bow, but it's awkward when they don't. So I feel more comfortable when they speak in English and say, “hi” or wave…
Q3: How does it feel like to not be the youngest in high school?
For me, it hasn't made much of a difference; school will always be about grades, and age difference does not affect a student's academics.
Helen Kang (11)
Q: How does it feel like to not be the youngest in high school?
It feels like we have more priority when we choose clubs. We are not at the bottom of the pile. Also, it feels like we need to have more responsibility as upper classman in sports teams when there are sophomores and freshmen.
Q: Do you feel better when the freshman bow to you?
No, it makes me feel uncomfortable. I like it better when they just say 'hi!' It seems friendlier.
Nathan Cho (11)
Q. Do you feel better when the freshman bow to you?
So-so. Sometimes I feel old, but sometimes I feel respected.
CLASS PAGE WRITING – SOPHOMORES
Sibling Feature
Jennifer Park (12) about Billy Park (10)
1. Are you guys close at school? He ignores me, but I always say hi to him. He's too cool for me.
2. Are you guys close at home? I try to go into his room to talk to him about his day and he kicks me out. He's too cool for me.
3. Do you think you guys look alike? Ew.
Jessica Yun (12) about Nick Yun (10)
1. Are you guys close at school? We are complete strangers at school. I try to say hi to Nick but the love is not always reciprocated...
2. Are you guys close at home? At home, we're close. We watch TV shows together and entertain each other with funny stories and Youtube videos.
3. Do you think you guys look alike? Not really, but I think we have similar facial expressions.
Minhee Jo (10) about Minwoo Jo (9)
1. Are you guys close at school? No. I don't see him much anyways.
2. Are you guys close at home? No. We don't talk when we are at our house because we have nothing to say to each other.
3. Do you think you guys look alike? No. I hope not.
SOPHOMORE REPRESENTATIVES
Andrew Yoon (10), Jenny Lee (10), and Jeemin Han (10) stand as the school’s up-and-coming leaders for the next generation. Among fifteen candidates, the trio managed to shine and to survive the competition. To repay their supporters, the sophomore representatives worked diligently all year-long without complaints.
DEPARTMENTS
Founders and Leaders
Though often hidden behind the scenes, our school’s founders and leaders are the ones who hold the school together. They make decisions big and small to ensure that each of us receive a quality educational experience at KIS. Through hard work and dedication, they work to strengthen our community - and keep us in line. They obviously share a common priority: students. “I enjoy working with the people; we have quality staff and outstanding students,” said Mr. Christenbury, “Of course, doing paperwork isn’t fun, but I love watching the students learning to become their best.”
COUNSELING AND LIBRARY
On the second floor of the KIS high school building is, for some, a second home; for others, a refuge for a lunch-time homework dash; and to some more, a place for some simple reading. The library, accommodated by the cheery Ms. Boerner, saw research papers, projects, lab reports, and essays done within its cozy walls.
Right along the hallway is the college counseling office. Mr. Modica and Ms. Kim became the upperclassmen's best friends in a grueling, eventful, and eventually fruitful application process as they chalked up a whole new chapter in their lives. With college visits, counselor meetings, seminars, and e-mails, Mr. Modica cut a prominent figure to every aspiring college student.
Then a floor up, a Sky-Bridge across, and a few more steps into the G-building lay Mr. Webster's office, where Mr. Webster took on the counseling concerns of the underclassmen. A friendly figure to teachers and students alike, Mr. Webster's contributions to the high school have been as vital as those of anyone else.
FACULTY
It's usually said that the students are the focus of any classroom. While that rings true along the hallways of KIS, the faculty is still an ever-crucial pillar of all the going-ons in the KIS catalog. Day in and day out, every teacher and coach strives to make every difference to the potpourri of learning and understanding in every classroom. They are at the front lines of the student body, instructing the students' ways to growth and learning. And the interpersonal warmth that steeps the atmosphere in the Faculty Rooms, the cafeteria, the hallways – the inside jokes and the laughter – are not unlike that of the students themselves. The daily joys that the faculty brings to KIS is a treasure to behold, and it's hard to imagine a KIS without these teachers' assistance.
STAFF
Hidden amongst the conference rooms and the IT offices within the metropolis that is KIS, the staff acts as the scaffolding that holds every bit of KIS together. From driving the school buses, directing traffic in the mornings, removing bugs on the KIS network, filing paperwork, taking care of phone calls, to sifting through stacks of books, the staff works through their own backbreaking schedule to fine-tune the KIS machine. They are at the rear of the student body, ensuring that every student's learning process is as painless and as fruitful as humanly possible. And when they shuffle out of the cafeteria with all smiles and laughter, redirect traffic and kids after school, pack their bags and carry out one quick security check, and head home down the hill, they must feel so deservedly satisfied that they helped the school move forward for another day.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
A brand-new gym with a colorful rock-climbing wall, an outdoor basketball court, and a beautiful hiking trail – all of these ensured that the student's only class free from the four walls of any classroom doesn't go away unloved. Confidence, team spirit, healthy lifestyles, and a million other things we can only unearth in a P.E. class find their ways into every freshman and sophomore who joy in their sole underclassman privilege.
The KIS P.E. class scene shows nothing like anyone's guess of a typical P.E. class – no skinny outcasts, no heartbreak at being chosen last, and no unassuming game of ordinary kickball. Ms. Jones ' routine “Fifty jumping jacks, go! Five push-ups, repeat. High plank, thirty seconds,” typifies the usual scheme of things in the weight room. From the weight room, we dive into the depths of our swimming pool, testing ourselves with those tireless laps. Then we take up with volleyball and basketball, practicing sets and shooting hoops in typical KIS-competitive spirit. Junior year is near – but for now, a sure thing on the underclassman's agenda is enjoying those mile-runs and those push-ups while they can.
DRAMA
Drama class at KIS has only one part to it – drama. Warm-ups, pantomimes, mind games, and out-and-out acting allow every student to translate their minds' eyes into reality. Dozens of make-believe characters spring to life, swaggering about as if they'd always been real people. Mr. Johnson pulls different characters out of his hat with such gusto that he can't help but be inspirational. Dropped jaws and fits of laughter are regular rituals for any audience. And in the actors' eyes comes a twinkle of golden confidence – something that Mr. Johnson thinks is immensely important in the world of theater: "You cannot be afraid to take risks and reveal emotions and desires."
Of course, theater isn't all about fun, fun, fun. Long-winded monologues are not so pleasant – learning them by heart, even worse. But the KIS actors know for a fact that if they keep their noses to the grindstone, they'll be guaranteed an exceptional time under the spotlight.
MUSIC
There's a sure verve that emanates from that one hallway in KIS. Lockers line its walls, full of instruments waiting to come to life. In one room, one wave of the conductor's baton stirs up a euphonic mishmash of sounds; in the other, singers line their chairs to red marks on the ground, repeating after Ms. Stephens, ‘Many mumbling mice are making midnight music in the moonlight… Mighty nice…’ A tired morning hears a voice crack, a flute squeak, or a violin go rather wrong – but no one frets. Mistakes act as the perfect punch lines, the stuff of jokes and giggles. Whatever challenges arise come across as easy meat for these groups of young musicians - all of whom love nothing more than a piece perfectly played from start to finish.
MATH
The oft-quoted disclaimer about math is that there's always a right answer. Sure, there is. But that doesn't tell even half the story. Not every pell-mell KIS student can wrap his head around partial fractions and Taylor series, but he's probably still madly scribbling away at his desk, ready to choke the answer out of any unrelenting problem. His answer might be a bit off the mark – a few negative signs tragically misplaced here, a couple decimal points missing there – but there's satisfaction beaming out of every seam of his toothy smile. The joy one comes by from unlocking a testing problem is one that KIS students revel in – so much so that it wouldn't be out of place for any KIS math classroom to have NEVER SAY DIE scrawled on its walls. The annual Mu Alpha Theta competition attracts the crème de la crème of KIS mathematicians, and its allure is simple: the charm of that pencil, that blank answer sheet, and that array of unrelenting problems simply waiting to be cracked.
ENGLISH
Off into the imaginations of Shakespeare, Voltaire, Twain, and Conrad we go – and we re-emerge with a fresh perspective and the odd life-lesson. That’s the beauty of literature – and the written word manages to work its magic in the KIS English classroom too, as we learn the credos of reading and writing, of interpreting and debating, of speaking and even acting. Having surpassed hagwon-esque commitments to grammar and vocabulary lists, it’s the usual way of any KIS English classroom to house insightful discussions and fiery debates and whatever else that makes English class that much more fun. New ventures into film have expanded our sense of literary appreciation by sizable proportions. Phoenix TV shows KIS's journalism elite relay the school headlines with infectious flair. We've found slicker, trickier ways to express ourselves, not just to our teachers, but to people halfway around the globe. English is an intricately woven affair - but as the one thing that binds us all together, we've come to understand it more than ever before.
SCIENCE
Science isn't only about memorizing the periodic table or calculating the velocity of a falling object. It takes students out of the classroom and beyond the textbook. Some argue that science is a mere collection of facts, composed of rigid logic that leaves no room for creativity. But Mrs. Thull speaks of the opposite: students must enter her classroom with open-mindedness, and be ready to explore and have fun. They need to be creative like artists. And this is what the students in every science classroom have put into great practice – going outside the box, trying new things, failing, learning, succeeding. Whether it be constructing a machine that lifts a weight with the wind of a hairdryer, or scribbling away in the margins of an AP Chemistry test, the Science Department has seen another great year pass within its walls; and aspiring scientists, engineers, and professors took another great leap towards realizing their dreams beyond this campus.
ART
The third floor of the high school building is the home ground of a creative bunch. Armed with colorful palettes, brushes of various lengths, and sharp 4B-pencils, the artists of KIS have come a long way in the methods of aesthetic expression. From drawing to painting to photography, it’s a formality to see the students roam the campus for inspiration, roam the mind for invention, and toil in the creation of a piece worthy of any portfolio. It’s easy to see that under Ms. Wentworth’s tutelage, the hallmark of any KIS artist is originality: “It’s better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation. Be original. Always.” A mix of innovation, talent, and effort serves to be the groundwork upon which the artists of KIS make their masterpiece.
FOREIGN LANGUAGES
An "international school" in the mold of KIS naturally succeeds in its internationality, with many bi- and trilingual students roaming its halls. But as Ms. Yang proudly remarked, “you understand your own language better through learning and comparing with other languages.” Even a native culture can offer lots to learn about – and this is where foreign languages come into play. Mastering a new tongue doesn't require only the hard work you offer to other subjects – it also asks for cultural understanding, for enthusiasm, for patience and diligence. Likewise, the foreign language classroom hardly shows students wasting away in desks, deciphering lengths of some distant language they don’t really understand. Instead, they attach themselves to the country, curious about its culture and buzzing with its language’s workings – proof of the melting pot of cultural identities that KIS is.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Who says Social Studies is only about drilling important dates and names into your head? The agenda in every KIS Social Studies classroom scraps those paltry lists and instead highlights the individual, the arguments he crafts, and the perspectives he cultivates. “I learn new things from students everyday,” said Mr. Spivey , “I develop new perspectives on topics I’ve been teaching for years; I love the fact that I am consistently learning.” And all this while, these colorful assortments of ideas combine into the stunning paintings that are thesis statements and DBQs - raw thoughts are translated into mature arguments, the stuff that build the world. Social Studies is the one thing that will surely mold us into real movers and shakers of the planet – and thank goodness for that.
Information Technology
In a world where Google knows everything and computers downsize by the day, it’s no surprise that I.T. becomes increasingly fashionable with every coming year. Crafting websites, cropping pictures, producing videos – an entire array of KIS courses devotes itself to the mechanics of computing. Nothing could be more pertinent to a school whose education is embellished by a one-to-one laptop program, a rich Web 2.0 culture, and a naturally computer-savvy student body whose PCs are their routes to all sorts of merriment. The art of being technologically aware grows in importance by the day – and no doubt many students in KIS feel this desire to know just what a mouse can really do.
FALL SPORTS
VARSITY VOLLEYBALL, GIRLS
The taste of glory is a savory one, and the KIS Girl’s Varsity Volleyball team undoubtedly relished it in bucketfuls this season. Trouncing SFS in the first game just showed the success that would follow – and follow it did. A steely mentality and unshakable unity translated into a winning formula that spoke in victories. The girls didn't bother to be pretenders this season; they battled KAIAC's finest, and proved to be one force to be reckoned with, a real contender for the gleaming crown of the championship.
But we can't just express the squad’s triumph through scoreboards and tallies. Numbers can't come to explain the lessons they learned, the friends they made, the fun they had. The girls have cultured a great season to cherish.
JV VOLLEYBALL, GIRLS
The key to a successful Varsity squad is a well-nurtured Junior Varsity, and the future of KIS Girls Volleyball seems well-assured in the hands of the KIS Girls Junior Varsity Volleyball team. While this group of aspiring players stumbled upon the ugly side of high school volleyball -- nerves, bruises, and frustration -- the lessons they learned didn't go amiss. The team found their feet and cultivated a real collaboration in the offing, commingling pure enjoyment and great performances by the season's end. Worthy successors to our no-nonsense Varsity Girls, the Phoenix Junior Varsity have shown what talents KIS may enjoy in the years to come.
AISA GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
It was an exceptional year for the Girls Varsity Volleyball team as they were able to host the first-ever AISA Tournament. Six schools from Japan and Korea came together in a tournament that soared to the attention of the international school community and gave KIS students a priceless opportunity to make new friends. A clearly satisfied Lydia Kim (12) said, “This priceless experience made the grueling practices and training all worthwhile." Indeed, not only could the school compete with its newfound rivals, but KIS could just immerse themselves in the fun of the sport that is volleyball.
VOLLEYBALL, BOYS
The Boys Varsity Volleyball team of 2009 comprised fresh faces – a fact that augured a new journey. While only a few of the reliable fixtures of years before remained, a rush of new blood promised an edgy start. But any sign of nervousness at the first whistle quickly dissipated as the Phoenix Boys carved out a team destined for growth. Led by the senior captain Dongmin Lim (12), the Boys Varsity crafted a true team out of the assortment of unfamiliar faces. The team emanated spirit – whether it was in victory or in defeat, whether it was in mid-game crisis. Strong performances in KAIAC and AISA Tournament confirmed the team's undoubted potential. A bright future awaits KIS Boys Volleyball.
TENNIS, GIRLS
What can you promise after a victorious season? To keep winning, chimes in the KIS Girls’ Varsity Tennis team. They’ve pledged to be (in their own word) “invincible” – and they’ve delivered. Guided by reliable senior Soo Young Hwang (12), Singles players Soobin Bae (11) and Jessica Chang (10) happily walked the road to triumph. #1 Doubles team Jessica Choi (11) and Helen Kang (11) – both of whom staunchly refused to play by themselves – proudly came away with every game won. It’s commonly fancied that teamwork has no place in the game of tennis; and yet teamwork was the byword of the 2009-10 Girls’ Varsity Tennis team, who have kept their promises in style.
TENNIS, BOYS
Everyday, the big hand strikes 2:45 P.M. Four times a week, a bus proceeded down the driveway with scary punctuality. And soon, upon the Sunae tennis courts came to life the KIS Boys Tennis Varsity team.
Progress is an essential for any serious Division One team, and the Boys Varsity needed no reminding of this gospel truth. Serving, smashing, and slicing tennis balls, the boys exchanged heated rallies and tackled rigorous drills. Every week, greater, better tennis players seemed to grace the courts, longing for victory and further improvement. Fronted by captain Jason Cho (12) and a string of junior deputies, the will to craft a niche for KIS tennis burns strong – a desire that hasn't shown signs of relenting soon.
CROSS COUNTRY, GIRLS
Cross Country's a weird sport – it's a trial against one's will, against one's determination. It tests you and coerces you to show your individual best: "When you're out there running, you're all by yourself," testifies Yeayoung Koh (9). But she continues: "But you can't forget that your performance affects the team" – and this very sense of mutual support resounds throughout the KIS Girls Varsity Cross Country team, binding everyone together to ample effect. Charismatic captains Sunyoung Park (11) and Angie Jo (10) led the team in a coalesced effort to success on the tracks, and success is exactly what each runner – not to mention the team as a whole – came to recognize this past season.
CROSS COUNTRY, BOYS
Four times a week, a group of boys donning singlets and running shoes flocked into Mr. Perron's office, waiting to meet the fall breeze and the lengthy roads ahead. Then the buses left, the last cars trickled out the driveway, and the KIS Boys Varsity Cross Country team cranked up their daily routine – warm-ups, stretches, and five kilometers of sheer running.
If anything, the KIS Boys Varsity Cross Country team cultivated one thing the most: commitment. They bonded with one another, knowing the importance of teamwork in any sport. They ran through their precious holidays, dedicated to maintaining their steely fitness. And the results – satisfaction at the finish line, and the according points to match – were all theirs to enjoy. Whether they're running in lockstep or stampeding into Baskin Robbins after an exhausting practice, the KIS Boys Varsity Cross Country team takes steps as one in unity and zeal.
WINTER SPORTS
Boys Varsity Basketball
The fall glories of KIS athletes seamlessly translated into the cold of winter, as the KIS Boys Varsity Basketball team hit their stride from the very beginning. Hard diligence, impeccable fellowship, well-bred form, and natural talent combined to form a force to be reckoned with in all of KAIAC. Shepherded by a new array of coaches, new tactics and a new mentality meant greater results on the court – and greater results they were. A top-half finish to the conference, spectacular wins over YISS and bitterest rivals SIS, and a first-place finale in the AISA Tournament served to show the Varsity team’s breakout success. This was the year in which they truly passed the trying test of KAIAC Division One – a season that, in Minhyo Moon’s (12) words, “we’ll never forget.”BOYS JV BASKETBALL
While the Varsity Basketball team was setting new precedents for KIS athletes, another group of aspiring basketball players took on the limelight of their own: the Junior Varsity Basketball team. After an admittedly shaky start – a learning curve for many an underclassman – the team began to hit their stride and show just how much they strove to improve throughout the season. "I think that our JV team this year had the most motivated players out of any team," said a proud captain Kevin Lee (11). "Nobody gave up, and even with a brand new team, we were able to pull off some great victories against other schools." After a season of plaudits for the Varsity contingent of KIS basketball, things bode well for the future.
GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL
Dribbling from Daegu to Seoul, the KIS Girls Varsity Basketball team took even greater strides this year than in seasons past. They met every challenge with energy and every game with resolve – resolve that fueled the team in good times and in harsh times. And while the team will change, Pola Shim (12) believes this same determination will remain in the years to come: “We all worked really hard this year, and I have no doubt KIS will go on to work harder and win in the future.” Victory or no victory, the Girls Varsity have great reason to remember this season as the one that saw improvement – and the one that heralds greater things in the next season.
JV GIRLS BASKETBALL
While the Varsity basketball players received the spotlight, the Junior Varsity players waited patiently for their future chances to shine on the court. “Compared to last season, we improved – a lot,” said Staci Shon (10) proudly. “Although we didn’t win every individual game, I would describe this season as victorious,” added Alice Ahn (10). When asked what was the key to their success, the two young captains pointed to the endless running, passing, and shooting – all of which were essential elements to upping their game. The bright future of KIS basketball lies on these young girls’ shoulders.
CHEERLEADING
Cute uniforms, blue ribbons, and fluffy pompoms catch our eyes, but there is much more than simple aesthetics to cheerleading. As team captain Jessica Yun (12) testified: "This season, the Phoenix Cheer Squad was defined by hard work." Conditioning, lifting weights, running – the success of every routine and every cheer depended on tireless dedication. No boxing out the defense, no lay-ups, no free throws: with their searing passion for cheerleading, Phoenix Cheer looked to change every scoreline for the good. Such great resolve paid great dividends with a victorious third place in the KAIAC Tournament – an achievement that confirmed Phoenix Cheer's place near the summit of KAIAC. "Phoenix Cheer truly did fly to the top this year and I am extremely proud of this talented group of athletes," declared an overjoyed Jessica, and no doubt the heights they reached this season is a very special milestone among their catalog of triumphs.
JV Cheerleading
This year’s Junior Varsity Cheerleading squad created an entirely new outlook on the quality of JV squads. Particularly popular among freshmen newbies, the JV found a few stumbling blocks in their way at the season's beginning. "It was hard at first because we were in charge of teaching everything," said co-captain Rachel Choi (11). But in the end, progress prevailed for a squad full of eager beginners: "but the girls were very bright and caught up fast!" Thanks to the tireless dedication from captains Rachel Choi (11) and Sylvia Jung (11), the girls began to translate the basics of cheerleading into their routines: smile, spirit, sharpness, enunciation, vocalization, and synchronization chief among them. The stunts and the tumbling decidedly proved to be more challenging, but success followed failure, and the team's efforts paid off in style. A commendable third place finish at the KAIAC Tournament was the icing on the cake for a fruitful season, and no doubt the team will return next year with wholesome smiles.
KAIAC Boys Basketball
In our third year in KAIAC Division I, KIS assumed the privilege of hosting the KAIAC Boys Basketball Tournament in February 2010. Even with the everyday monotony of classes and club blocks, students from all corners of the high school came to watch the spectacle that unfolded in the Phoenix Gym. Coach Duncan was especially happy to make the team's tournament heroics known: "Finishing with two wins and one loss, we had a great tournament - that last match was the best match of our season, and a great way to end it." While the Varsity Basketball team could not replicate their victorious AISA form, they mustered a commendable showing and ended their season on a high – with a memory to last the rest of their youth.
SPRING SPORTS
GIRLS SOCCER
The Girls Varsity Soccer Team doesn’t find its greatest virtue in outrageous talent or a championship trophy – its forte lies in the bond of friendship. At the end of a season, full of ups and downs and wins and losses emerged a team of girls willing to do anything together. Whether it be running on a dirt track or playing keep-away among groups of tens and elevens, the Phoenix Girls are a real team in their every exploit. “We’ve come such a long way together with the Seniors’ leadership, the Juniors’ talent and the underclassmen’s energy” said Elaine Lee (11), While the team might not have won every game, the Girls’ Varsity Soccer Team have achieved some very special things this season, and testament to that is everywhere on the field to see.
BOYS SOCCER
As audience, we tend to only remember those who score. But the KIS Boys Varsity Soccer team showed us this season that to truly obtain victory, the team has to do a lot more than simply score. It takes discipline, fitness, a little dash of luck, and a ton of effort to slide up the standings – and sure enough, the Boys Varsity had enough mettle and talent to muster the points throughout the season. From freshmen to seniors, the team began as a motley variety of players and grew into a cohesive unit, spraying passes about, shooting, crossing, heading, scoring. "I am glad that I am part of this team," said Brian Shin (12), a veteran on the team and one who has seen KIS Soccer mature throughout the years. Regardless of what was won and what was lost, the team came away with important lessons learned, new friends made, and a special season played out.
SWIMMING
Like any serious Division One Team, the Varsity Swimming Team carved their defining niche in one trademark value: determination. Determination led every swimmer to blindly race back and forth in watered frenzy; determination led every swimmer to break their personal records and push themselves further; determination led every swimmer to improvement and victory. The results were a staggering reflection of what has been a long-winded journey for every swimmer. As Ilmin Ahn (12) testified: “I think with a little more practice like always, we can be better than ever as a team.” Never mind the tiring and repetitive laps, the weekend games, the competitiveness of the sport, and the rancid odor of chlorine – these have only made them stronger. As they draw a close to another prosperous season, KIS' swimming contingent already looks forward to next year.EVENTS
Concert
Soaked in the euphony that resonated across the PAC, the audience became immersed in the music of the night. The powerful procession of "Praise the Lord" by the Phoenix Chamber Singers and the Wind Ensemble's unique rendition of Korea's traditional song "Arirang" left an indelible impression. The Orchestra Cantabile’s “Night on Bald Mountain” was yet another beautiful piece, given an enthusiastic ovation from the audience. “I felt so proud of everyone for doing so well,” exclaimed violinist Jung Lee (9), “and I hope that we were able to give the seniors a good last memory of the class.” From Chinese to Baroque music, the high school orchestra and choir transcended eras and cultural disparities, enabling the audience to travel through generations and cultures in a single sitting. The endless practice of diction, pure vowels, sight-reading, and scales have enabled them to perform as one organism.
PATIO ON FIRE
The first Student Council event of the year saw no firecrackers or turntables; in their place were candles and the snugness of the patio. KIS's musically best performed - live and unplugged - at Patio on Fire. The fall night was warm and exciting, and everyone felt lulled by the smooth sounds of fellow KIS students singing their hearts out. “It’s so romantic,” said Carol Choo (9) with a giant smile, surveying the tiny lights that surrounded the patio. No fancy lights, no fancy stage, no fancy seats – none of this was necessary. The evening managed, with laid-back ease, to reach out to the audience and touch their hearts.
KIStival
The Yuletide festivities became everyone's to enjoy at the Christmas KIStival, where trumpets blared to the tunes of carols and tired KISians learned to indulge in the music, the food, and the games that enlivened the evening. Sponsored by the National Honor Society, various clubs across the high school worked in full tandem to produce a genuinely school-wide celebration. According to NHS Treasurer Soyeon Jeong (11), "the clubs united to raise school spirit and made KIStival such a great success." A cozy talent show (that showcased the artistic best of the high school) and a crowd-gripping raffle completed the night in high spirits. Another KIStival, another success – this ought to be a sure fixture in the calendars to come.
FALL PLAY
After months of memorizing lines and getting into character, the Phoenix Theater performed Michel Tremblay’s comedy, Les Belles Soeurs. “What makes this play so unique is that most of the characters are female!” said Megan Song (11), and quite right she was: spattered across the stage, unkempt but beautiful, was a (mostly) all-female cast, a wheel-chaired grandmother, stamping feet, and the unrepressed rage of 20th century women in flowery dresses. The girls’ refusal to prettify themselves left the audience in sidesplitting fits of laughter from beginning to end. So humorous was the wit, the vulgarity, and the show on stage that the audience exited the PAC, merry with excitement and having seen easily one of the Phoenix Theater’s very best performances.
Spanish Festival
As each booth introduced the dynamism of Spanish-speaking countries, students were able to participate in games like “chupacabra,” and watch exciting performances, like Ms. Modly’s passionate flamenco. According to Lynn Hong (12), “Some booths definitely went further than the nachos/salsa approach, and I really enjoyed those that did. It was a great chance to hang out and speak Spanish with other Spanish students.” Moreover, who could forget the mouthwatering comidas? In an atmosphere that was vibrant but casual, the KIS chicos and chicas relished in Spanish cuisine ranging from the most basic dishes like "Quesadillas" to more complicated ones like "Dulce de Leche." No doubt this event was an unforgettable experience for both Spanish students and teachers this year!
Pep Rally
Bustling into the Phoenix Gym atop the G Building, the KIS pep rallies fired up the school with a roller-coaster of cheers, an exciting array of B-boy and cheer performances, and fun activities for all involved. Each sports season kicked off with a pep rally that encouraged school spirit and support for the sports teams. As these events were few in number and special in nature, the various games and activities especially aroused the crowd, already eager for class points and thriving in their competitive spirits. For some, like cheerleader Erica Takahashi (12), “pep rallies were an exciting opportunity for cheerleaders to show the school what they'd been working on throughout the year.” The preparation, the practice, the tinkering that went on in the Student Council room – every pep rally was a resounding success in kindling the school into life.
Social Page
The Halloween decorations, the thumping acoustics, the lights of white and green and blue and red – within the Conference Hall thundered the high school, dancing their pains away in typical KIS spirit. With performances, costume contests, activities, and the familiar trickle of romance all in full swing, the students immersed themselves in the fun of the night. Fast-forward a few months into the throes of chilly winter, and the Winter Ball sees performers, dancers, and couples take center stage in a melting pot of entertainment and romance. Every social promised a rewarding break from the books and the monotony of academia – and no doubt every social delivered on its promises in style.
Haiti Presentation
When a thousand-strong KIS students thronged into the Phoenix Gym, they were in for a lesson they could never learn in any ordinary classroom. In a joint effort by Student Council and NHS, the entire school came together to acknowledge the sheer magnitude of the 2010 Haitian earthquake. This presentation marked the culmination of a school-wide project to extend our charitable spirits and mitigate the Haitians' plight. An outstanding 30 million won was raised through the generosity of the KIS student body – the first time KIS collaborated to such great effect. Student Council treasurer Albert Joo (11) explained that this embodied a salient theme behind the entire affair: "I think an event like this was crucial not only in raising awareness, but creating unity among the entire KIS student population." As the school, in the words of Michael Jackson and company, became the world and the children, every KIS student took a few more steps towards becoming active and engaged global citizens.
APRIL ANARCHY
April Anarchy, led by Student Council, was a week of delightful madness. Filled with activities like four-way soccer, tug-of-war, catch-the-dragon, and (of course) reading block, every pep rally sent the student body's spirits surging higher and higher. With overflowing school spirit and a bit of extrinsic motivation – an ice cream sundae party – each class participated passionately in a healthy competition to earn spirit points. “My favorite day is Nerd Day! On that day, I get to be myself, and no one makes fun of me,” said Mr. Israel with a big smile, expressing his keenness to dress up for Pajama Day, Character Day, Nerd Day, and Class T-shirt Day. “I enjoyed being part of planning this event, and I feel proud of Student Council’s success,” said Daniel Kim (11), one of the student representatives who worked hard to execute the event. In the midst of all the hard work and all the lost sleep, April Anarchy proved the perfect tonic for a habitually pumped student body.
ARTS WEEK
To celebrate the prodigious artistic flair that decorates every KIS hallway, the Art, Music, and Drama departments organized the first-ever Arts Week that took the school by storm. The sheer overload of color, shapes, forms, sounds, harmonies, and theatrical panache – all combined to create one very vibrant April week. Chugging through a variety of activities and small exhibitions of handpicked artistry, the week culminated with a collage of all things artistic in the high school. From a performance by the Chamber Singers to slide shows of awesome artwork created by students, from an influx of ensemble music to a clip of the ever-comical Brighton Beach Memoirs, Arts Week grabbed the headlines by the scruff of the neck during a stressful juncture of the year. Ji Yoon Hyun (11) surely echoed these sentiments when she stated: “Arts Week was a definite success because we got to see how many people were talented in the various types of art.”
CHINESE & FRENCH FESTIVAL
With the first-ever Chinese & French Festival, headlined "Confucius Meets Napoleon", the lower gym transformed into possibly the most hectic spectacle in the entire KIS calendar. A colorful infusion of delicious cuisine, Chinese K-pop performances, papier-mâché pandas, and French sing-alongs ensured that the entire high school remained thoroughly entertained throughout the event. On one side, students introduced the French culture through food samples and colorful posters and games; on the other, models of Tiananmen Square and the Shanghai Tower accurately demonstrated the intricacies of the Chinese heritage. Each class also staged a performance that displayed their linguistic capabilities and attracted scores of spectators. The food, the games, the performances, and the money raised for charity combined to make the Festival a success. Ms. Kim surely expressed the sentiments of the entire school on its behalf when she pronounced with a smile: "Can't wait for the next one!"
SPAIN TRIP
While Spring Break may have offered some repose with a weary end to the year approaching, 21 KIS students experienced a memorable Spring Break as they journeyed across the continent to Spain. Accompanied by Ms. Longbotham, Ms. Barga, and Mr. Baier, the students took to seeing a remarkably colorful world with enthusiasm. After three days in bustling Madrid, the heart of Spain, a city arresting in its antiquated flavor, the group proceeded to rural Valladolid, where they stayed with Spanish home-stay families for the remainder of the trip. While home-staying was an initially nerve-wracking affair, the students learned to revel in the fun of a new environment. As a satisfied Rosa Won (9) testified, "We came back with so much love for Spanish culture." As the week wound down and the group closed in on Incheon Airport, every student had cultivated relationships and memories of the most permanent kind.
SPRING PLAY
In the midst of a belated patch of warm spring and the bluest skies, Brighton Beach Memoirs humorously depicted the challenges of growing up, family tensions, and national crisis with great aplomb. Bright yet weary, tense yet brilliantly funny, this year's spring play saw the audience split their sides over the excitement of adolescence and hold their breath through the pains of personal tragedy. The performance was a fair embodiment of just how much effort and talent went into it: memorizing lines and cues, sacrificing playtime for practices, and restraining themselves from laughter, among so many other things – and their undying passion was their sole source of motivation. “It was tough, but we all did it!” said Chris Kim (9), the witty teenage protagonist with a gift for writing. A huge success among both students and faculty, Brighton Beach Memoirs saw the Phoenix Theater reach greater heights and scale taller mountains than ever before.
FULL-SPREAD / HALF-SPREAD CLUBS
NHS MAIN"NHS has grown by leaps and bounds over the last two years. Our officers are an exceptional group," declared Ms. Kells, clearly proud of National Honor Society's runaway growth throughout this school year. Becoming an effective member of the National Honor Society takes much more than just a high GPA. One has to be devoted, ready to spend his or her free time to actually do something for the school. One has to be active, ready to volunteer for a variety of responsibilities. One has to be loud, ready to voice an opinion during a make-or-break discussion. The passion and devotion of each member this year has impressed the entire school, which proves that NHS can manage to reach greater heights in the years to come.
NHS PRESIDENT, IL-JEE KAM
The passion she exudes is so infectious that it drives those around her to work harder. Il-jee Kam (12) is the one who has helped the organization expand into something bigger than just a club. Energetic and unrelenting in her duties, Il-jee has played a decisive role in holding a variety of events that brought the entire school together. From welcoming new students to spearheading KIStival, she has worked positively to push the rest of the group forward.
NHS VICE PRESIDENT, JAY PARK
Jay Park (11) possesses many of the things it takes to be a leader: service, scholarship, character, and a great smile. A perfect presence next to the dynamic Il-jee, Jay's endeavors to serve NHS in every way possible has been indispensable to the organization's massive success. This young gentleman looks forward to the club’s future. “I feel honored to take part in leading such a dynamic group of students, yearning to make a difference both in and out of the school."
MUN
Future world leaders gather, well-dressed and prepared, resolutions in hand, pens clicking – this is the natural order of things in KIS Model United Nations. Easily the largest club in KIS, MUN provides a genuine opportunity for students to collaborate in tackling the world's most pressing problems, from the empowerment of women to the prevention of illegal drug-trafficking. Wallowing in the intricacies of parliamentary procedure, the glamor of conferences abroad, and the sheer hardships of international diplomacy, the KIS delegation has matured into a group whose enthusiasm is unparalleled. With the rare chance to experience new pastures in China and Singapore, MUN just keeps growing by the year. It'd be wise to expect more resolutions, more plane tickets, and more men-in-black represent KIS in the future.
MUN – Jessica Yun, Secretary General
Commanding great respect within the walls of the classroom is Jessica Yun (12), the Secretary General of the KIS MUN club. A visionary, Jessica continues to contribute greatly to KIS MUN since her debut as a delegate four years ago. President of the THIMUN Commission on Sustainable Development, President of the SEOMUN Special Conference, and Assistant President of the BEIMUN General Assembly are just a few of the distinguished positions she has mustered over the years – proof of her untarnished passion for MUN.
MUN – Jane Woo, Deputy Secretary General
With the Secretary General comes her capable deputy, Deputy Secretary General, Jane Woo (11). Charismatic and forthcoming, Jane began her ventures into parliamentary debate during her freshmen days, and her passion for MUN has only burned brighter over the years. Her MUN experience is almost without parallel among KIS delegates, having tackled numerous issues of various breeds. It seems that we can only expect even greater things from our future Secretary General as MUN continues to grow here at KIS.
PTV
The journalistic elite of KIS took to the art of reporting with an innovative twist as they launched Phoenix Television, known as PTV. Every Friday, PTV provides weekly coverage of the school’s goings-on, ranging from socials to sports games to MUN conferences in pastures anew. Designed through the efforts of advisor Mr. Longbotham and his handpicked crew of journalists, PTV has grown from a classroom activity to a full-fledged enterprise in the space of one short year. “Everyone has something important to contribute,” asserted Albert Joo (11), attesting to the class’s journalistic know-how and undoubted talent in front of – and behind – the cameras. A sheer godsend from the English Department, PTV has refined the KIS culture with real authority, and no doubt it’ll herald a school-wide tradition of its own in the years to come.
Speech & Debate Club
The eloquence that thrives among the KIS student body becomes most evident in the Speech & Debate Club, whose popularity is sky high and efforts are rewarding – quite enormously. Hanna Kim (11) said with more than a dash of pride: “It’s been great to see KIS’s Speech & Debate team coast up the rankings year after year, and now we’re one of the teams to ‘look out for’ in every tournament.” Speech & Debate Club’s rags-to-riches, coming-of-age story has reached a new climax this year, with greater heights reached, newer accolades secured, and a potent team assembled and cultivated. Placing in duo acting and oratory became a fixture for a KIS team whose talents remain second to none in and among resilient competition. Oh, and an added bonus: “everyone seems to enjoy their work!” exclaimed an excited Hanna.
Flat Classroom
A select group of juniors found another reason to book a few plane tickets, this time to Hong Kong and Mumbai – the Flat Classroom Workshop. Dedicated to encouraging collaboration and the ingenuity of the Web 2.0 experience, the Flat Classroom Workshop formed an invaluable learning curve for all involved. Students from all over the world gathered to solve technological issues with technology – and the results were impressive. Two-time participant Kathy Lee (11) stressed the heroics of the KIS contingent: "One of the things I realized was just how smart KIS students are." With a one-to-one laptop program at the plinth of our curriculum, this insight into technology couldn't be more preciously pertinent.
Habitat for Humanity
"Change doesn’t come from the sky. It comes from human action."- Tenzin Gyatso
Habitat for Humanity makes its name by contributing to a simple, noble cause – helping others. This cause stretches beyond the walls of any classroom, the boundaries of any campus, the limits of any activity: it’s everywhere, affecting everything and everyone. Quite rightly, Habitat for Humanity strives to exhibit a sense of charity that's respected and loved in every corner of the globe. This year's group of plucky individuals journeyed to Malaysia and Indonesia to provide shelters for the deprived, and every step of the way was part of their doing. “Your every action counts,” said Jerica Yoon (9), “Habitat for Humanity is a club where little counts for big and people's lives all around the world change in every way, everyday.” The result? Fulfillment, satisfaction, changed lives, and some great kids – kids that, in the words of Michelle Lim (12), "I don't think I'll ever forget.” Habitat for Humanity and its ever-growing group of young patrons are undoubted role models for any KIS student.
Student Council
From deciding on a snack sale menu to finalizing a dance party’s theme, putting together any event—big or small—demands a bucketful of compromises. Patio on Fire, Halloween Party: Darkness, and weekly snack sales were the winners that survived a brutal elimination process. “Each event was a collection of distinctive voices,” Yong Min Cho (12) recalled. According to the officers, the first few meetings were chaotic. Everyone had something to tell, and each voice differed drastically. But after a year of hard work and successful events in return, they all agree on one fact: every discussion, every second of discord creates an interesting adventure. This is a group that's slowly come together after beating each other down and building each other back up – this is our 2009-10 KIS Student Council.
President – Yong Min Cho
“Who’s selling the snacks next week?” He’s on the very top of the bureaucracy. He's the face of our school, the role model of his peers, loved by all. He's defined above all by his humble disposition – he cares about every event, listens to every representative, and ends every meeting with a big smile that comforts all around him. As the leader of the student body, our President Yong Min Cho (12) has opened his ears and mind to those who wished to participate and share their voice.
Vice President – Jenn Kim
While the President braves the spotlight and engages the podium with typical panache, Vice-President Jenn Kim (11) stands behind. But given that actions do speak louder than words, she has not been unheard. Whatever has not been done – whether it be decorations, phone calls, notes, important decisions – enters Jenn’s repertoire with minimal fuss. The official go-to person in Student Council, Jenn’s input has been nothing short of essential.
Activities Coordinator – Il Min Ahn
Il Min Ahn (12) was elected as the Activities Coordinator, yet his role within Student Council goes beyond the limitations of his title. Gifted with a steely sense of determination, his sheer resolve gears him to face anyone – the President, the school administration, and everyone else – to represent the student body. He is loud enough to shout out during pep rallies. He is creative enough to design each and every activity that Student Council has held. Il Min Ahn is the leader that you want.
Secretary – Da Bin Lee
She's the Secretary, but Student Council knows her by a name far more telling: sorry-but-no-queen. Da Bin Lee (12) is never afraid to raise her voice whenever she sees fit. “All of the officers are very aggressive,” asserts Da Bin as she explains the brutal air that pervades every meeting. “But disagreements eventually result in productive compromises, because, in the end, we want the same thing. We want students to have fun.”
Treasurer – Albert Joo
Our treasurer is quite the talented one: he’s skilled at not only counting money, but also singing, dancing, and DJing. Albert Joo’s (11) musical ability has helped Student Council take its concerts and socials to the next level. And partly due to this young musician’s exceptional accounting ability is the 2009-10 Student Council's very own record-breaking feat: earning the most amount of money ever in the history of KIS.
KEY CLUB
MAIN
Key Club at KIS is completely driven by students who strive to make a difference in the school community. Despite its short history and small numbers, Key Club has been nothing short of a novel success – in a period of less than two quarters, the club completed five whole projects. President Lauren Lee (12) insists that the club’s members, officers, and advisors deserve to be credited with its huge success and describes them as “simply fantastic.” We make our greatest first steps as infants – and no doubt Key Club’s own infancy bore all the hallmarks of imminent importance in the KIS club catalog.
President Lauren Lee
Bearing ultimate responsibility for Key Club’s affairs, meetings, and programs, President Lauren Lee (12) is a significant role model for all involved in Key Club. Dutiful with her job and chiefly responsible for the club’s amiable atmosphere, Lauren's passionate attitude translates into an ever-supportive leader for every Key Club member. “Key Club has accomplished so much already,” she asserted, “I have every faith that our club will continue to develop and advance.”
Vice President Sarah Jang
As the President's right hand, Vice President Sarah Jang (12) is another essential figure in Key Club. In an effort to provide more opportunities for meaningful participation, Sarah conducts weekly orphanage visits to the Local Jeongja Youth Center. “Teaching English to the kids can be tough at first,” admitted Sarah, “but it’s definitely a worthwhile endeavor; by the end of an hour, you'll feel that you've connected with the kids and made a definite impression on them.”
Secretary Chaeri Jeong
The job of the Secretary is perhaps the most taxing of all. In the hands of Secretary Chaeri Jeong (12) are all of the club’s important records, files, and details. Every club meeting, the sharp secretary types away with the deftness of her nimble fingers as idea after idea is discussed. Despite the sheer dedication her position requires, Chaeri remains characteristically merry: “I’m grateful for letting my good organization skills be put to use as Secretary."
TREASURER – JANE RYU
Money is always a sensitive issue, and it's up to the treasurer to see that everything is done properly. One of Key Club’s youngest members, Jane Ryu (9) was an unexpected addition to the officer team. But in disbursing funds, collecting dues, and maintaining financial records, Jane has risen to every routine demand of her position with a rare meticulousness. In the face of much pressure, her diligence has helped Key Club in every step of its yearlong journey.
EDITOR – JAE DOH
As Key Club’s chief communicator and publicist, Jae Doh (12) is responsible for maintaining the club’s public face – something the Editor needs to truly take in his stride, and something Jae does with clear aplomb. Managing Key Club’s official website, creating calendars, and keeping the school community up-to-date, Jae’s handy technological skills frequently come into play, week after week.
QUARTER-SPREAD CLUBS
MUNity East
To the secrets of THIMUN-Singapore’s successful conference lay not only the delegates, but also the reporters, photographers, editors, artists, and layout designers of the MUNity East Press Team. Every issue, 16 to 20 pages in length, featured a wide range of humor and information that sold their ways into the eyes of almost every delegate. Special features such as “Building Bridges” displayed the importance of cultural awareness in an international conference, while the video crew went experimental in a first-ever edition of MUNity East Television (METV). “I think being a part of Munity East was a very unique experience,” said Lauren Lee (12), one of the Press Team’s chief editors. In the throes of an ever-expanding conference, things can only bode well for the array of journalistic talents THIMUN have at their disposal.
Phoenix Plume
Did you miss a social? Did you forget to take photos? No need to despair: you have the Phoenix Plume! This incredible group of students promptly created videos, weekly reviews, photos, and myriad of updated news on sports, the arts, and events revolving KIS. Our community is connected and intertwined, thanks to Phoenix Plume's use of technology and updated emails. Comprised of members with forward-thinking mindsets and Mr. Longbotham who is, “flexible and lets students freely give input,” as Youjin Kim (12) described, Phoenix Plume has only bettered and progressed in every aspect. “Though being a part of the Plume is hard work, the outcome never fails to inspire us to stride further... You can even follow us through Twitter!” said Youjin.
Visual Impact
Visual impact is the veritable objective in Visual Impact club, where dedication and craftiness are musts for success. Fronted by Ms. Modly, Visual Impact strives to add to the school’s artistic punch, to decorate the halls with delicate brushstrokes and stuff of real aesthetic power. The dreary pink and grey palette that seeps through every KIS building has given way to some inspiring colors this year – and much of it was a result of Visual Impact’s stunning success.
DGC
A unique club at KIS is Design for a Good Cause, a circle of students who use art and design to aid those deprived of the gifts we often take for granted. DGC’s main project was to lend a hand for Haiti. No one describes the club’s ethos more effectively than Courteney Kim (12): “There is no time to rest because we are always busy cutting, pasting, sketching, and painting in an assembly line." What makes this club so special is that students not only aid those less fortunate, but they “also get to stretch our imagination and think outside the box,” said Courtney.MOCK TRIAL
At first, Mock Trial seems like something reserved for the seriously intellectual – those aspiring for the spotlight in future courtrooms. But club founder Dongju Lee (11) asserted the contrary: “Mock Trial isn’t just about practicing for a future in law; it’s about reading, writing, performing and building confidence.” High-strung results in competitions both home and abroad have shown these students’ pedigree in the courtroom, and no doubt these achievements will not only translate into accolades, but also skills in real-life situations.
Indoor Wall Climbing
This year saw the advent of a new rock-climbing wall in a new gym in a new building – and thus it only made sense to establish a club dedicated to its benefits. Devoted to drilling beginners in the basics of scaling a wall and rappelling down, Indoor Wall Climbing club has ensured the full use of our cutting-edge facilities in appropriate fashion. After a great introduction into the club schedule, this club is bound to stamp its mark on KIS culture.
Global Issues Network
When you blend the ubiquity of global issues and the practicality of local solutions, you end up with Global Issues Network – a KIS club committed to addressing some of the world’s most serious predicaments. We’ve spoilt our planet, monopolized our wealth, and marginalized our minorities; and Global Issues Network looks to rectify this situation, real-time. Working both within the campus quarters and with people in pastures anew, Global Issues Network has attempted to really be the change they want to see in the world – to great effect.
Hip-Hop Club
Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, Kanye West – do these names ring a bell? Well, they were definitely an inspiration to members of the Hip-Hop Club. Our homeboys and girls celebrated the hip-hop culture with numerous performances throughout the year. By singing, rapping, and beat-boxing, they fired up the stage and brought the audience closer to an expressive and powerful genre of music. Won Seok Choi (12) summed it up perfectly when he said, “We love to perform, rap, and sing. That’s what our club is all about.”
MIDI Club
Founded by Andrew Lee (12) and Keunwha Song (12), MIDI Club is comprised of songwriters and composers learning how to produce original music through electronic media and the Logic Express program. Completed songs have been broadcast on PTV and the PTV promotion video, both to great success. Despite the club’s relative youth, Andrew has some grand plans for the club’s future: “I want more clubs and individuals to ask us for music, and we also want to distribute our own CD’s soon as well.” With a real passion for music resonating through its speakers, MIDI Club is fast becoming one of KIS' most popular grassroots clubs.
Welcome to KIS
Still don’t know much about KIS? Having trouble getting used to the routines? The first-time frustration, the culture shock, the anxiety are just too familiar to even the oldest contingent of the KIS student body – and some of this year’s new students are certainly calling out for help. In Welcome to KIS Club, high school students gather every club block with one common goal: to establish a warm climate for the new students at KIS. A real source of service to the school, these students exert themselves in order to make the newest faction of the high school feel at home among the routine bewilderment that needs getting used to. "Our club welcomes anybody who's willing to help out KIS!"
Math competition club
To join the math competition club, “you don’t necessarily have to be good at mathematics. You just need to like it,” said Il Won Chang (12). The club consists of great enthusiasts for numbers and equations, and has undergone a startling phase of growth this year. The club has, for instance, grown fond of awards as it increased its trophy haul. But award or no award, every student walks away having learned something about the mechanics of numbers.
Spanish CLUB
Whoever isn't satisfied with just Spanish in the classroom find their refuge in Spanish Club, where they extend their grasp on all things Spanish. From Spanish culture to Spanish cuisine to Spanish language, those in Spanish Club were unafraid to take a few extra steps in enhancing their lingual capabilities and cultural expertise. Spanish Club also laid the foundation for a colorful Spanish Festival, where students and teachers gathered in a fiesta of food, fun, music, and surprises, and produced a documentary of the Spain Trip to display the flavors of Spanish heritage with first-hand footage. Jenny Lee (11) eagerly remarked on the club's success: "Whether it be by the Spanish Festival or by our Spain Trip documentary, we hope that we brought the Spanish culture much closer than before to the student body."
Actions of Compassion
Pet-sitting jobs, T-shirt sales, vegetarian burger sales, animal shelter visits, and donation drives – Actions of Compassion has been in full swing since day one this year, and it has maintained their diligence ever since. Every club block, these animal lovers busily exchange ideas for fundraisers and potential goals. The club’s leaders, Jessica Choi (11) and Helen Kang (11), are thrilled to see members actively participate to their full extent, as Jessica gladly affirmed: “I’m extremely proud of this club; with hard work and passion, we will be able to accomplish anything we put our hearts into.”Jazz Band
Stroll down the aisle to experience a moment in the world of jazz. A collection of the most adept musicians from every grade, the Jazz Band Club is comprised of musicians who really care for their music and delight in more than their share of jazz music. The works of Miles Davis, Stan Getz, Herbie Hancock, and the like translate into blessed reality as those fingers dance upon trumpets, flutes, guitars, and saxophones. With the club’s fairly long history and gifted profile, the Jazz Band has become a fixture in every KIS concert, and every year has seen only returns of unbridled success. "Jazz is alive and here to stay at KIS," an enthusiastic Mr. Baier asserted to describe the band's achievements. "It has been my pleasure jamming with such wonderfully creative musicians."
Baseball club
This year has seen KIS' sporting profile in KAIAC and AISA flourish in every possible way, but enthusiasts for another sport have been growing in numbers throughout the year – baseball. “I always wanted to play baseball at school, but the school did not provide the opportunity. That’s why I decided to create the opportunity myself,” said club founder Kyungjoon Lee (12). Despite its freshness on the club agenda, Baseball Club has realized the sporting interests of numerous high school students throughout this year, improving dramatically every week. No doubt this could see the ascent of another sport within the fondness of the KIS student body.
PGC
Climate change has become quite the media phenomenon – but the KIS community has its own answer to the greenhouse gases in Project Global Cooling. One of the club’s leaders Patrick Nam (12) quoted Gandhi to illustrate the club’s ethos: “We want to be the change we want to see in the world.” And simply put, the club delivers effortlessly on that count: student-formed and student-led, PGC embodies the students’ response to our dilapidated environment, staging presentations and spreading awareness with a musical touch that wields massive popularity.
Dance Club
So you think you can dance? “Yes!” replied a confident Erica Takahashi (12). One of the most popular clubs among the student body, Dance Club took their skills and passions to the next level with some challenging choreographies and a variety of genres. The boys took to mastering break-dance, locking, tumbling, and Krumping, while the girls aimed to grasp waving, girls' hip-hop, and modern dancing. With their fair share of practice and sweat, these dancers were determined to blow their audience away – not only with their agile movements, but also with their creative flavor and spunk. The annual Dance Showcase, along with the first-ever Dance KAIAC, exhibited the cream of the crop among the dancing contingent of the student body, and the grace of the end result clearly depended on some painstaking preparation from every dancer.
JAZZ IMPROV
An inseparable sibling to the Jazz Band, Jazz Improv Club takes the artistry of jazz to another level. With a couple of chord progressions, a beat, and a dash of musical genius, Jazz Improv Club churns out the skeleton of a masterpiece in minutes. Headed by Mr. Baier and Andrew Lee (12), the club is comprised of novices and experienced musicians alike who are all in to have great fun with music. As drummer Sungwoo Moon (12) stated, "the club is designed so that we can get the best out of every instrument, everyone can become more confident, and we can have a good time" – three essential elements of any musical group looking for growth and success.
DEPARTING TEACHERS
Mr. Israel: Our beloved Mr. Israel again had some choice words to offer: “I will miss the students, teachers, and sam-gyup-sal. And, for those of you that care, my quest for the perfect taco will continue in China.”
Mr. Spivey: Mr. Spivey had two reminders to the students of KIS: “Remember to be humble, listen to others, and learn from your mistakes. And also remember: when you get your first billion, all I ask for is one million. Unmarked US dollars only please. I know you guys can handle it.”
Ms. Osborne: Ms. Osborne will be sorely missed by what she is best known for: a cheery, bubbly persona, and tricky math problems. When asked what she will miss most about KIS, she replied with a smile, “I will miss the students the most as they brightened my day every day.”
Mr. Baier: Mr. Baier will be missed for a few choice things (among many others): his projects, his trademark wit, his enthusiasm for science, and his meticulous handwriting. “If I were to stuff all my wonderful experiences in a bag," he said, "the airlines would have to charge me extra for being over the 25-kg limit. Oh, and yellow-tinted glasses make the world bright. Try on a pair today.”
Mr. Bushnell: Mr. Bushnell leaves blessed with four years of great memories: "Thanks, KIS, for a wonderful four years; you will be remembered fondly."
Mr. Perron: An ever-present along the KIS hallways, Mr. Perron explained just how special his KIS experience has been: “I will miss all of the wonderful people who have touched my life and made me a better person. If you’re reading this, I mean you!”
Mr. Otis: Mr. Otis was his usually honest self as he said: "It has been my pleasure and sincere honor to serve KIS students, parents and faculty these past two years. Go forth and succeed."
Mr. Boerner: Although Mr. Boerner found much reason to be sad as he leaves KIS, his last advice is his most memorable: "The past five years have been some of the most rewarding, exciting, and fun in my career. I will miss you and KIS greatly. Continue to pursue your dreams and your goals – for KIS is what it is today because of you! Goodbye, but not farewell!"
Ms. Barga: Ms. Barga leaves KIS with more than a touch of melancholy: "KIS and Korea will always have a special place in my heart. I don't think it's likely that I will find better students anywhere else that I teach."
Ms. Boerner: A veteran of the KIS faculty, Ms. Boerner expressed her thanks to KIS in the face of an exciting journey to Bangladesh: “I want to thank everyone for making our experience in Korea so positive and wish KIS continues to flourish.”
Mr. Greenwood: Always reliable and ready to make a difference, Mr. Greenwood had only the students and staff to thank for his experience: “The motivated students and dedicated staff have made these two years zoom by. I will sorely miss KIS as this school has made a lasting impression on me.”
Ms. Modly: After a fruitful two years, Ms. Modly is heading to Istanbul, Turkey with her family. Her last words were apt and concise: “Be art smart!”
Mr. Ski: Mr. Ski's farewell was adorned with some last advice: "No matter where you go in life, remember this: do what is right, no matter how unpopular or difficult; follow your heart, no matter how scary it may be; and be sure you find a way to smile and enjoy every day, if only for a little while. May the force be with you all."
Mr. Loewer: Mr. Loewer's devotion to every P.E. class made his stay all the more special: "My time here has been memorable and I will always remember KIS with great fondness. I hope that I may run into some of you again one day."
Ms. Wentworth: "I am pretty sure that I will most likely never again have students who work as hard!" said Ms. Wentworth, the teacher with the brightest smile and the happiest advice: "a day without laughter is a day wasted."
FALL SPORTS BIG QUOTES
Boys Tennis – Daniel Lee (11): “Our best achievement was improvement, both in skill and unity.”
Girls Tennis – Jessica Chang (10): “The will to win is critical; the will to prepare, vital.”
Boys Volleyball – Sean Han (12): “We’ve got each other’s back.”
Girls Volleyball – Elaine Lee (11): “We're more than teammates; we're sisters.”
Boys Cross Country – Daniel Joh (12): "The crowd's not cheering for him – they're cheering for me."
Girls Cross Country – Emily Kim (11): “This year, the girls ranked in KAIAC. Enough said.”
WINTER SPORTS BIG QUOTES
Boys Basketball – Younsuk Chae (12): "Bunch of wins and losses. But one championship, one team, with pride."
Girls Basketball – Pola Shim (12): "Together we dribbled, we ran, we laughed, we cried. We were family."
Cheerleading – Lydia Ahn (11): "From humiliation and drama to victory – we went through everything together."
SPRING SPORTS BIG QUOTES
Boys Soccer – All boys in unison before every game: "What are we going to do? Win!"
Girls Soccer – Pola Shim (12): "We’ve come such a long way as a team. I’m so proud."
Swimming – Ilmin Ahn (12): "It's simple: practice makes perfect."
FALL SPORTS MISC. QUOTES (2 EACH)
Boys Tennis – Jason Cho (12): "With or without H1N1, the team improved a ton this season."
Boys Tennis – Jay Park (11): "We went from 8th to 5th in two short years. We promise better next season."
Girls Tennis – Jessica Choi (11): "Unfortunately, H1N1 stopped us from becoming the champion. But next year, we will sure be the one to win."
Girls Tennis –
Boys Volleyball – Dongmin Lim (12): “I’m proud of our team for constantly growing and improving.”
Boys Volleyball – Billy Park (10): "Being on the team, learning, playing – these things made it worth joining."
Girls Volleyball – Rachel Seo (9): "Words cannot describe how much we learned and improved."
Girls Volleyball – Michelle Lim (12): "Volleyball is more than just a sport to us. It's what keeps us together both on and off the court."
Boys Cross Country – Patrick Nam (12): "Cross-country and we had a love-hate relationship: we hated running, but we loved it too."
Boys Cross Country – Kyu Park (9): "Win yourself; if you've done that, you have already won ten guys in front of you."
Girls Cross Country – Angie Jo (10): "Anyone can run. But only some people actually enjoy running."
Girls Cross Country –
WINTER SPORTS MISC. QUOTES (2 EACH)
Boys Basketball – Minhyo Moon (12): "This year was the most successful season ever in the history of KIS Basketball, and we worked harder than anybody else to achieve this feat."
Boys Basketball – Peter Lee (12): “KIS Basketball has achieved a much higher level in its program.”
Girls Basketball – Leah Park (11): "We became stronger, tougher, and better players than before; I am so proud of my team mates."
Girls Basketball – Seo Hyun Kim (9): "Every single player worked so hard to make this season unforgettable."
Cheerleading – Chaeri Jeong (12): "Third place in KAIAC: we couldn't be any happier."
Cheerleading – Erica Takahashi (12): "Two hours a day, four days a week, four weeks a month, for eight months, just for half-times: but every moment is worth it."
SPRING SPORTS MISC. QUOTES (2 EACH)
Boys Soccer – Sueun Jee (12): "We've all experienced different injuries, but no one complains; the fun we have outweighs everything else."
Boys Soccer – Jeffrey Ahn (12): "I study, raise my GPA, work hard, practice – all to play soccer."
Girls Soccer – Grace Paik (12): “By the end of every practice, I'm exhausted. But I love that feeling.”
Girls Soccer – Lydia Kim (12): "I could not have hoped for a better team."
Swimming – Brendan Ryu (9): “Swimming is all about challenging yourself, and we definitely learned to challenge ourselves this season.”
Swimming – Coach Taylor: “Week one, swimming 1800 meters took them the whole practice. Now, they swim over 2000 meters an hour!”
ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT QUOTES (1 EACH)
Physical Education – Alex Kim (9): "I like playing a variety of sports over a period of one year - it's fun and refreshing."
Drama – Lydia Kim (12): “Through drama, I discovered a whole new me!”
Music – Sarah Park (9): “Being a part of the music class helped me discover and develop my talents and interests.”
Math – Boram Lee (11): "Apart from derivatives and integrals, math teaches us to be patient when solving a problem."
English – Brian Shin (12): "In class, we read, talk, and write. It looks really simple – until you take the class."
Science – Priscilla Kim (11): "Science is not a collection of facts, just as literature is not merely defined by words."
Art – Eunsoo Suh (12): "I like art because no one tells me what to do with my work."
Foreign Languages – Jessica Yun (12): "C'est en pratiquant la langue et en découvrant la culture qu'on apprend le français."
Social Studies – Mr. Spivey: "This world is your world. Play with it, kids."
YEARBOOK TEAM
Yearbook Team
“Every single year, the Yearbook Staff astounds me with their originality, creativity, and commitment to taking Yearbook to the next level,” said a thoroughly satisfied Ms. Patterson – and sure enough, this year’s bunch was just as industrious and inventive as its predecessors. Scattered throughout the entire high school, every single staff member strove to capture every single moment: from author visits, assemblies, performances, festivals, sports games, to class-time – you'd name it, and they'd be there. Though it's been a demanding year, the Yearbook staff has remained faithful throughout the whole process. Laughter, mandatory after-school meetings, sacrificed lunches, and Facebook in-box messages were the bits and pieces that put this very book together, and at the root of it all was a group of students, dedicated and excited to get the job done.
ANNIE PARK, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: PRODUCTION
In the midst of all the cheeriness and stress in Ms. Patterson's classroom, there was one figure quietly pulling the strings, approving every design and answering every query. Annie Park (12) has orchestrated every scrap of business in the creation of the 2009-10 Yearbook with experience, leadership, and characteristic geniality. Although creating the Yearbook has been a purely collaborative effort, and making every piece of the puzzle meet has demanded an extraordinary aggregate of creativity, enterprise, and diligence, Annie's visionary direction has been hard to ignore. To all those who remain to craft next year's Yearbook, good luck without the one who made this year's Yearbook possible.
YURA JUNG, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: MANAGEMENT
Yura Jung (12) is the mother of this Yearbook. Each page, each word, and everything within the hardbound volume that you hold right now is the result of her tireless management, her leadership, her creative approval. Alongside Annie Park (12), Yura's guidance pointed the Yearbook Team in all the right directions, cheering everyone up when they needed words of encouragement, sternly reminding everyone of every deadline, ensuring that the job gets done. She was our reliable leader, a true inspiration, and a helpful friend. As a team, we – the Yearbook staff – thank her, and you better thank her too for the yearlong endeavor that enabled this publication.